William Eugene Beckman

William Eugene Beckman, 86, passed away at his home surrounded by loved ones, on Thursday, December 8, 2022.  He passed before the first substantial snow of the season approached.

Bill was born in La Crosse on June 23, 1936, to William R. and Ruth (Bouffleur) Beckman.  He was raised on the family farm in rural La Crescent, where he lived his entire life.  He enjoyed the country for all it had to offer, plowing the land, haying the fields, and tending to the beef cattle.

Bill worked for the Houston County Highway Department for 35 years before retiring in 2001.  He also served in various capacities for the Township Board for many years.

Bill was united in marriage to Suzann Hjelming on September 17, 1955.  They later divorced but remained close friends, enjoying trips and gambling together.

Bill enjoyed family and friends stopping out to visit him at the farm.  If he couldn’t be found, you knew he was on his tractor somewhere.  It is a peaceful valley to spend time waiting for the turkeys and deer to come out of the woods.

Bill is survived by his children, Linda Bratager of La Crescent, Todd Beckman of La Crescent, Brenda Beckman (Dan Hundorf) of Caledonia, MN, Bonnie (Alan) Paulson of La Crescent, DeAnna (Nate) Maertens, and Angela Beckman (Lucas Heineman) of Galesville, WI; five grandchildren, Melissa (John) Schradley of Manchester, CT, Nathan Bratager of La Crescent, and Grant, Alina and Simon Maertens; two great grandchildren, Dylan and Alex Schadley; a sister, Sally Brudos of West Salem, WI; a brother, Richard Beckman of Onalaska; and several nieces and nephews and extended family.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Ethel Peaslee.

A private family service commemorating Bill’s life will be held at a later date.