Joel W. Beckman

Joel W. Beckman, who recently celebrated his 75th birthday, died peacefully on Sunday morning, April 5, 2020 at Hospice of the Valley in Poland, Ohio.  Born on March 28, 1945 in Stanley, Wisconsin, he was the son of the late Elloraine (Nerdrum) and Arnold Beckman.  Joel was raised on a dairy farm and went to school in Thorp, Wisconsin.  He graduated high school in 1963 as the Salutatorian of his senior class.

Joel graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a B.S. in Mining Engineering where he earned a National Science Fellowship award.  He also attended graduate studies at the Colorado School of Mines and earned an MBA from Cleveland State University.  Joel worked as a mining engineer in the steel industry.  As a boy, he enjoyed collecting rocks and minerals on the farm.   

He was preceded in death by his wife Judith M. Beckman (Milligan) who he married on July 2, 1966 and who died on October 21, 2013.    

Joel is survived by his children Craig R. Beckman (Alison) of Oakton, VA, Tara L. Pfaeffle (Jamie) of Gibsonia, PA and Heather L. Beckman (Michael Pieck) of Manhattan, NY.  Joel was the proud grandfather of five granddaughters, Kaela Beckman, Autumn and Brooklyn Pfaeffle, and Alexa and Kaia Pieck.  He is also survived by his brother David Beckman of Vernon Hills, IL, his sister Janice Beckman of Hanover Park, IL and his companion Beverly Genova of Youngstown, OH.  And he was the uncle of Miranda Milligan Raivala and Mirissa Milligan.  

Entombment will be in the Mausoleum at Holy Savior Cemetery in Richland Township, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (act.alz.org).

Arrangements are private and under the direction of the McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home, Inc. 238 Crowe Ave. Mars, PA, and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.