William “Bill” Beckman

Bill was born on March 27, 1934, to Harold and Celia (Peterson) Beckman and spent his early years in Skandia, Michigan. Proud of his Swedish heritage, he later moved to Marquette and graduated from Graveraet High School in 1953.

In 1956, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his service, he married Betty Houle on January 25, 1957, in Aurora, Colorado, before returning to Marquette. Bill and Betty shared 42 years of marriage and raised six children: Dan (Chantelle) Beckman of Marquette, James (Kim) Beckman of Greenville, MI, Linda (David) Paquet of Negaunee, Allan (Cindy) Beckman of Minooka, IL, Brian (Vicky) Beckman of Appleton, WI, and Scott (Amanda Hinkle) Beckman of Plainfield, IL.

Bill dedicated 40 years of his professional life as a locomotive engineer with the LS&I Railroad, where he also served as chairman of the United Transportation Union, advocating tirelessly for his fellow tradesmen.

A man of many passions, Bill was often found reading Louis L’Amour novels in his garden, tending a wide variety of vegetables, sharing fresh produce with local grocers, and making delicious jams for friends and family. Known for his love of card games, he will be remembered for his playful, competitive spirit. Bill was also an enthusiastic outdoorsman, spending many years fishing, trapping, deer hunting, and cherishing time at his camp on Lake Arfelin.

A lifelong member of Grace United Methodist Church, Bill’s faith and community service were integral parts of his life. He deeply valued family and shared this sentiment often with those closest to him.

In retirement, Bill split his time between Marquette and Green Acres, Florida, enjoying the warmer winters and often joking about the “chilly 85 degrees” in phone calls home.

He is survived by his partner of many years, Mary Ann Argall, a brother Glenn Beckman and in-laws Albert Houle, Lloyd (Patti) Houle, Sandy (Jerry) Huron, Bill (Sandy) Houle, and Cheryl Houle. He leaves behind 18 grandchildren: Melissa (Joe) Jeeves of Marquette, Daniel Jr. Beckman of Marquette, Leah (Ryan) Bruder of Ann Arbor, Olivia (Matt) Stroube of Ann Arbor, Christina Beckman of Chicago, IL, Grace Beckman of Chicago, IL, Joshua (Abby) Paquet of Negaunee, Jordan (Kathrine) Paquet of Bergen, Norway, Jacob (Taylor) Paquet of Ishpeming, Benji (Stephanie) Studer of Minooka, IL, Kaitlyn Studer of Minooka, IL, Tyler (Kaitlyn) Beckman of Appleton, WI, Mallory (Jake) Knuppel of Appleton, WI, Mariah (Michael) Lukashewich of Appleton, WI, Tanner (Breanna) Beckman of Appleton, WI, Josephine Beckman of Plainfield, IL, William Beckman of Plainfield, IL, and Bryce Beckman of Plainfield, IL. Additionally, he is survived by 18 great-grandchildren with two more on the way.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Betty; brothers Harold (Liz) Beckman and Eugene (Roxie) Beckman; sister Joan (Kyle) Ericson; sister-in-law Dorothy Beckman; brother-in-law Robert (Marcia) Houle; brother-in-law Donald Houle; and sister-in-law Charlotte Houle.

Bill Beckman will be remembered for his quick wit, humor, and the joy he brought to everyone around him. His legacy is one of love, dedication, and a life well-lived.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trillium House, 1144 Northland Drive, Marquette, MI 49855.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the Canale-Tonella Funeral and Cremation Services on Friday, June 14, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm and on Saturday, June 15, from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am Saturday. Pastor Kyle Detmers will officiate. A reception will follow at the funeral home.

Interment will be made in the Northland Chapel Gardens.

Condolences may be expressed online at canalefuneral.com.