Harold L. “Buzz” Beckman, 86, of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, surrounded by loved ones at the Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Buzz was born on April 11, 1935 to Charles and Elizabeth Beckman in Newark Township, Wisconsin. He graduated from Beloit High School in Beloit, Wisconsin in 1953 and enrolled at the University of Wisconsin where he received a bachelor’s degree in Education with a minor in Biology. He later earned a Masters degree in Education from the University of Kansas
In 1958 Buzz took a position teaching elementary school Spanish with the Manitowoc Public School system. In 1962, he was appointed as the first Department Head of the newly organized Foreign Language Department, and held this position until his retirement in 1990. “Señor Beckman“, as he was known to his students, was an enthusiastic and passionate educator. Late in his career he added French to his repertoire and taught beginning French under the name of “Monsieur Beckman”.
While attending college in Madison, Buzz was introduced to Frances Harker by his cousin Henry Pann. Despite his love of Studebakers and the Harker family’s preference for Fords, the couple was married on December 20, 1958. The Beckmans welcomed son Tom in 1964, and son Andy in 1972.
Buzz was known for his love of vintage automobiles in general and Studebakers in particular. He served in numerous positions within the national Studebaker Drivers Club, and was a charter member of the SDC’s Wisconsin Region. Buzz was skilled in automobile restoration and completed many award-winning projects. Always the educator, he was very generous with his time in sharing his knowledge with others. He served as a technical advisor for the Studebaker Drivers Club and also as an instructor and panelist at technical seminars.
Buzz’s other passion was the Beckman Mill, the family’s 19th century grist mill in Newark Township, Wisconsin. Shortly after his retirement in 1990, Buzz began working with the newly-formed “Friends of Beckman Mill” to assist its efforts to restore the endangered historic structure. Buzz served as editor of “The Beckman Mill News,” the FBM’s official publication, for nearly 20 years and made countless trips between Manitowoc and Beloit to attend meetings and events. The Mill’s restoration was completed in 1997 and today is part of Rock County’s Beckman Mill County Park.
Buzz was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and served on numerous church board and committees in addition to teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and distinctly recalled listening to radio broadcasts of the 1945 World Series between the Cubs and the Detroit Tigers. Although the Cubs did not triumph that year, Buzz’s loyalty and patience were rewarded when they returned to the World Series 71 years later and claimed the title.
Buzz is survived by his wife, Fran, sons Tom and Andy (Shannan Miller), and grandchildren Katie, Charlie, and John. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Karen Beckman and Jane Harker, and brothers-in-law Jim Harker and Bob (Ruth) Harker as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Bill (Arlene), Howard, Myron “Bud” and Ralph (Barb).
Memorial services will be held 11:30 a.m. on Monday, October 11, 2021 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1712 Menasha Avenue, Manitowoc. Officiating will be Rev. Zachary DeArmond. Relatives and friends may call at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at 11:30 a.m. Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Friends of Beckman Mill or Redeemer Lutheran Church. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
