Obituary of William Beckerson Jr.

William (Bill) Louis Beckerson Jr., passed away on February 12, 2024 at age 72 in Waukegan, Illinois. He was born on January 13, 1952 at the Naval Base in North Chicago, Illinois the son of William L. Beckerson Sr., and Ruth R. (Barker) Beckerson. He spent his early childhood at his grandparent’s farm, Selma and Tom Barker. He shared his fond memories of living on the farm throughout his life. Bill and his six siblings moved frequently due to William senior’s career in the Air Force. Ultimately, the family moved to Vulcan, Michigan and Bill married his high school sweetheart, Ann (Bartoletti) Beckerson on May 5, 1973 in Iron Mountain, Michigan. He joined the U.S. Navy at age 35 and served for twenty years, garnering many honors and rising through the ranks. Afterwards, Bill worked as an electrical engineer until he retired in 2017. He was a veteran, a tinkerer, a renaissance faire enthusiast, a grill master, and a loving family man.

 

Bill is survived by his wife, Ann Beckerson; daughter, Margaret; son-in-law Brandon, and two grandchildren Hailey and Wyatt; siblings, Amber Beckerson, Penny (Dirk) Dunham, Laura (Mike) Pearson, Jim (Peggy) Beckerson, Matt Beckerson, Chris (Darla) Beckerson; honorary brother, Fred Smeester; and family friends, Dawn Beckerson, and Sue Hartman.

 

Family and friends are invited to attend the service for the final placement of his ashes at Pembine Cemetery on May 4^th. The family is grateful for the condolences but declines flowers and donations.