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CHOCOLAY TWP, MI – Andrea Berengere Beckman, age 85, of Chocolay Township, passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at her home, in the loving care of her family.
Andrea was born on June 23, 1941, in Bellieu, France, to Andre and Berengere (Lannier) Pitois. She was raised in Crouy, Ainse France, where she graduated from high school in Soissons France in 1956. An exceptional student who consistently earned top marks, Andrea went on to attend an all-girls college in Soissons France, where she earned her bachelor’s degree and trained to become an elementary school teacher.
In 1961, Andrea met and married Harlow W. Wheeler in France and after resigning from the military, the couple moved to Michigan and after two years of civilian life he rejoined the Air Force and the couple embraced military life until Harlow’s passing in 1974. Shortly before his passing, Andrea began working as a medical records technician at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base. She also held a Real Estate Sales License with Beckman Realty in Harvey.
On January 1, 1977, Andrea married James A. Beckman at Messiah Lutheran Church in Marquette. Together they owned, operated, managed, and updated apartment buildings before purchasing the Roy-Ol Motel in Harvey and ten years later the Wahlstroms Parkway Motel. They proudly owned and operated the businesses for more than 35 years.
Andrea was a dedicated worker whose strong work ethic defined much of her life. She enjoyed gardening, traveling the world, and especially looked forward to the annual January trips she and Jim shared to Aruba as well as traveling Europe from their parental home in Crouy France, which she owned for 15 years. She was an excellent money manager, a loyal and devoted wife, and a loving family woman who cared deeply for those closest to her. She was also an accomplished seamstress and worked professionally in Anchorage, Virginia Beach and Getz's in Marquette where her husband was stationed.
Andrea is survived by her loving husband, James Beckman; her son, Dan Wheeler of Harvey; her granddaughter, Jenea (Christian) Jessie of Grand Rapids; her great-grandchildren, Jaylen, Jonah, and Jordy; and several nieces and nephews in the United States and France and brother-in-law Donald Beckman of Southern California.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Harlow W. Wheeler; and her son, Gary Wheeler and family in France.
Honoring Andrea’s wishes, no public services will be held.
The Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.