Shirley Elizabeth Beckman

Shirley was the eighth of eleven children and spent her early years on a farm in Missouri. In 1948, her family moved to Kankakee, Illinois, where she attended Kankakee High School and graduated in 1955. As a child, she was a Girl Scout, an early sign of the independence and self-reliance that would define her throughout her life. During her high school years, she worked at Kresge’s, beginning a lifelong pattern of responsibility and determination.

After graduation, Shirley worked for Illinois Bell as a telephone operator. She left the company in 1969 following the birth of her second child, choosing to focus on raising her family.

Shirley married Warren Beckman on April 15, 1961, in Kankakee, Illinois. Together they built a family that was the center of her life. She was the mother of three children: Julie (born 1964), Michelle (born 1969), and Randy (born 1972).

Throughout her life, Shirley remained deeply involved in her children’s lives and her community. She served as secretary of the Sunday School at Vine Congregational Church while her children were young, helped plan Vacation Bible School, sang in the church choir, and worked in the library at her children’s elementary school. She was a lifetime member of the Moose Club.

In the early 1990s, Shirley worked at Midland Medical. She enjoyed taking continuing education classes, simply because she liked trying new things and keeping herself engaged. Her biggest passion was reading mystery novels and often had more than one going at a time. She kept books in different rooms so there was always one close at hand. Marking her place with whatever happened to be nearby, she would use Powerball tickets, old envelopes, or grocery store receipts, making sure she never lost her place.

She was also known for her strong will—telling her what to do was never advised. She was always there when her family needed her. Her home was a place of comfort and belonging, where family knew they were welcome. She showed her love in the ways that mattered most: by being a good listener and steady source of support. However, she was not above a little bribery, often motivating her children with the promise of donuts on a stick. Shirley will be remembered for her strength, her reliability, and the sense of home she created for those she loved. Her legacy lives on through the family she held so close.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Warren Beckman; daughters Julie (Dave) Gerber of Lincoln and Michelle (Mike) Gerdes of Valparaiso; son Randy (Jennifer) Beckman of Cook; grandchildren Jamie Gerber of Lincoln, Mason Gerdes of Valparaiso, and Bryce Beckman of Cook; brothers-in-law Russell Beckman of Salt Lake City, Utah and Myron (Nancy) Beckman of Milford, Illinois; former sister-in-law Doris Beckman of Frankfort, Illinois; nieces and nephews Adam (Mary) Hendrickson of Valparaiso, Indiana, Tammy (Dana) Campolattara of Valparaiso, Indiana, Larry (Connie) King of Chebanse, Illinois, Eric (Jennifer) Beckman of Libertyville, Illinois, Tina Beckman of Traverse City, Michigan, Brett (Tara) Beckman of Augusta, Georgia, and Angela (Graham) Anthony of Champaign, Illinois; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings and their spouses Virginia (Floyd) King, Virgie (Lyle) Corkill, Mary Juanita Hendrickson, Truman Hendrickson, Freida (Wayne) Woodard, Pearline (Doug) Merrill, Leslie Oliver Hendrickson, Lulu Belle Hendrickson, Joyce Corene Hendrickson, and Gene (Pat) Hendrickson; and nephews Gary Wayne King and Michael Corkill; father-in-law, Fred Beckman, mother-in-law, Mabel Beckman.

A service for Shirley will be held Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska. Interment and a reception will follow at the same location. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation.

The service will be available via live stream.