Ronald James Beeckman

September 13, 1946 – August 2, 2025

Ronald J. “Ron” Beeckman, 78, of Roanoke, Indiana, passed peacefully at his home on August 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Ron was born in Saginaw, Michigan, to Leslie and Corana Beeckman on September 13, 1946. The third of six children, he was raised in a devout Catholic home that shaped his lifelong faith. As a boy, Ron enjoyed raising homing and roller pigeons, fishing and hunting with his brothers and cousins, and playing euchre.

In 1967, while serving in the United States Air Force, Ron met the love of his life, Barbara. They were married on February 6, 1971, and began their life together in Michigan, living in Saginaw, Otsego, and Muskegon. Ron earned his engineering degree from Western Michigan University and went on to build a distinguished career as a magnet wire expert. His professional journey took the family to Louisville, Kentucky, where he worked for Anaconda, and then to Fort Wayne, Indiana - “Wire Capital of the World” where he worked for Rea Magnet Wire and Superior Essex Magnet Wire. Over his career, Ron earned numerous publications, patents and accolades, retiring from Essex in 2009.

Ron’s greatest joy was his family, and he loved to travel with Barbara. Together, they took several pilgrimages, including trips to the Holy Land, journeys following the life of Saint Paul, Greece, and most recently, a Danube River pilgrimage in June 2025.

A man of deep faith, Ron was an active member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Fort Wayne and later St. Joseph Catholic Church in Roanoke, where he participated in the Men’s Club and various volunteer ministries. He was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion.

Ron was an avid birdwatcher, especially enjoyed watching purple martins, hummingbirds, bluebirds, and tree swallows from his home in Roanoke. He was known for protecting smaller birds on his property by keeping invasive species, such as sparrows, in check. He kept his Benjamin Sheridan air rifle in the kitchen - his highest sparrow count in a single season was 91.

Ron bravely faced a short battle with stage IV lung cancer. His steadfast faith, love for his family, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Barbara (Wilson) Beeckman; three children, Deborah “Debbi” (Matt) Bowman, Ryan (Amy Stoppenhagen) Beeckman, and Rebecca (Justin) Brugger; and ten cherished grandchildren: Chloe, Carter, and Ainsley Bowman; Xavier, Ethan, Sawyer, and Finn Beeckman; Alice Stoppenhagen; and Heidi and Natalie Brugger, all of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Ron is also survived by his siblings: Leslie (Mary Ellen) Beeckman of Saginaw, Michigan; Robert (Jean) Beeckman of Freeland, Michigan; Edward Beeckman of Saginaw, Michigan; and Julie (Bruce) Perry of Saginaw, Michigan; as well as his surviving in-laws: James (Gail) Wilson of Novi, Michigan; Kim Burns of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Patricia Sharp of Cincinnati, Ohio; Kevin (Zoe) Wilson of Troy, Michigan; Tim (Michelle) Wilson of Howell, Michigan; and Chris (Donna) Wilson of Muskegon, Michigan. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and a wide circle of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Corana Beeckman; his sister, Carol (Beeckman) Wallace; and his parents-in-law, James and Kathleen Wilson.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 641 N. Main Street Roanoke, IN 46783, with visitation one hour prior. Visitation also from 2-4 and 6-8 pm with a Rosary at 3:30 pm. Monday August 11, 2025, at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home, Covington Road, 8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, IN.

Committal and burial at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Roanoke. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to Stillwater Hospice.