Bradley J. Beckman Sr.

Bradley J. Beckman Sr. passed peacefully surrounded by loving family on November 16, 2023, at the home of his Daughter, Wendy Beckman Vergara after a long illness. Brad was 85 yrs. of age and was born in Highland Park, Illinois on June 21, 1938. He grew up in a large family in Harvard (Chemung), Illinois and was a graduate of Harvard High School in 1957. He was the son of the late John and Dorothy (Strickland) Beckman and brother to John, Linda, and preceded in life by Richard and Ronald Beckman. Brad married the late Joanne S. Matuszak on December 30, 1960, and later adopted their son Bradley Jr. (married to Alan Rodriguez Jr.) and daughter Wendy Marie Beckman Vergara (married to Manny Vergara who passed away in January of 2024). In addition, Brad and Joanne lovingly stepped in as parents for Nephew Ed Matuszak and Nieces Debra Matuszak Corbett and Jeanne Matuszak Salata during a crucial time in their lives. Brad was a proud Army Veteran from the 101st Airborne Unit. He had several careers during his lifetime, among them were the Starline Company, Century 21 Real Estate, Auctioneer, Greenhouse Caretaker for Velsicol Chemical Company, and Forklift driver for Dean’s Foods. Dad was an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 49 years and helped countless individuals reclaim their lives from alcohol addiction. Both Brad and Joanne were members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Harvard, Illinois. They both retired and moved to Dragoon, Arizona in 2006. Additional family members include Granddaughters: Nicole Church, Amanda Bouchard, Esterlita Vergara, Ellaine Vergara-Camarata, Emerald Vergara-Albunan. Grandsons: Joseph Vergara and Jonathan Vergara. Great Granddaughters: Tessa, Maniyah, Sophie. Great Grandsons: Diego, Markus, Matthew, and Kian. Sister In-Law, Catherine Beckman, Nephew, Matthew Beckman, Great Nephew, Joe Beckman. Niece, Theresa Beckman-Finzel, Great Nieces, Sydney (Noah), Leigh. Sister In-Law, Erica Rogers Nephews, Timothy Beckman, Great Niece, Maxine, Nephew, Benjamin Beckman, preceded in life by Christopher Beckman. Niece, Angela Beckman-Hamilton, Great Niece, Erica-Ruth, Great Nephew, Andrew. Sister In-Law, Betty Beckman, Niece, Jenifer Epperley-Hitsman, Great Nieces, Sarah and Hannah, Nephew, Jason Beckman. Sister In-Law, Barbara Robinson-Jeffers, Nephew, Brandon Beckman, Great Nephews, Aaron, Andrew, and Adam. Niece Stephanie Beckman-Darabaris, Great Nephews Hudson and Sullivan. All are invited to a memorial service planned for December 9, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church – Reception Room, 3-6pm, 504 E. Diggins St., Harvard, IL 60033. A Memorial Service will be held at noon on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Dragoon's Women Club. Interment of his cremains will follow in Russellville Cemetery.

Bradley J. Beckman Sr.

June 21, 1938 - November 16, 2023