Wayne A. Beckman, 82, passed away to eternal peace July 1, 2026.
Wayne was born Sept. 15, 1943, to Melvin and Mildred (nee Crucious) Beckman, in Milwaukee. After graduating from Custer High School, he began working for Wisconsin Electric. While working over the road, he and his crew stopped daily at Highlands Restaurant in Racine County, for breakfast and coffee. Wayne’s favorite waitress, Carol Stephenson, daughter of Earl and Jeanette Stephenson, soon became the love of his life.
Carol introduced Wayne to life in the country, and after they were married in 1967, they built their lifelong home in one of Earl’s farm fields in the Town of Norway. For 58 years, Wayne was happiest wearing his old Army Reserve fatigues, working on various projects “somewhere on the 40,” as he liked to call their acre yard. With three girls and later seven grandkids, there was always something to maintain or fix, and Wayne took pride in doing it himself. He was also the caretaker of all the dogs and cats his girls talked him into over the years and the birds he and Carol enjoyed watching in retirement. In addition, Wayne served multiple terms on the Drought School Board and was a member of Raymond Community Church.
Wayne’s job at Wisconsin Electric led to his career at Wisconsin Bell, later called Ameritech. After retiring in 1995 from his office role as a project manager, he enjoyed more lighthearted, outdoor work at Metro Milwaukee Auto Auction for 14 years. Working part time left more time for traveling with Carol, puttering with home projects, and proudly attending all of the grandkids’ activities and special events. Wayne will be fondly remembered for celebrating all of these family events – and each summer day with the family upnorth – with a big bowl of ice cream!
Wayne is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carol; their daughters Amy (Gary) Beck, Stephanie (Jeff) James, and Kathy (Jeff) Ehrhart; grandchildren Jacob James (Paige Hendersen), Nicholas (Kim) Beck, Jessica James (Matt Wagner), Justin (Jessica) Ehrhart, Kevin Ehrhart, Julia James and Jenna James; and his most recent reasons to smile, great-grandchildren Carter and Ellie Ehrhart, and Grayson Beck. He is further survived by brothers and sisters-in-law Dave and Jan Stephenson, and Don and Linda Stephenson, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law, sister Karen, and brother and sister-in-law Ron and JoAnn Beckman.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Lisa Simonds and the staff at Union Grove Ascension, and Dr. William Bake for their continuous, compassionate care; Home Helpers of Burlington for supporting Wayne’s ability to stay at his beloved home as long as possible; and Waterford Memory Care staff and Amedisys Hospice Staff for their loving care in Wayne’s final days.
Visitation will be held Thursday, July 9, 2026 from 1 until 3:30 p.m. at Raymond Community Church UCC, 8217 W. 6 Mile Road, Franksville, with a Memorial Service to follow at 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Raymond Community Church or the Alzheimer’s Association are suggested.
Heritage Funeral Homes is assisting the family. For online condolences, visit www.heritagefuneral.com.