Esther M. Beam (Cooper)

Surviving are her children, Denis (Peggy) Beam of St. Louis, MO, and Keith (Kari) Beam of Sauk City, WI; her grandchildren Kathleen Hembree, Stephen Beam, and Stacy Bock; Blaine Beam, Blake Beam, Teagan Beam, her great-grandsons Vince Bock, Spencer Bock, and Theodore Hembree; her great-granddaughter Claire Bock; her sister Eileen Wissell of North Carolina; several nieces and nephews; and two step-granddaughters, Kayla Anderson and Kennedy Erickson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, David John Beam; her brother, Raymond Knoll; her sister, Clarice Harland of Peoria; her granddaughter, Caitlin Ann Beam; her grandson, Ellis Joel Beam; her nephew, Mark Knoll; and her brother-in-law, Jack Harland.

Esther was a graduate of Manual Training High School, class of 1952, and a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church.

She retired from Caterpillar Accounts Payable in 1991, after 22 years of service. She later served as a school crossing guard at Woodrow Wilson for 24 years. She volunteered at the Lutheran Church Mouse Thrift Shop, supported Special Olympics, and was active for five years with the St. Jude’s square dancing benefit. She was also a member of the Caterpillar Retirees Club.

A memorial visitation for Esther will be held Monday, September 29, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel on University in Peoria. Following the memorial visitation will be a graveside service at 3:00 PM at Lutheran Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to SIDS and/or The Ellis Foundation.

A special thanks to friends and neighbors for meals, cards, and prayers: Rob & Jodi Harland,

Carol & Matt Dreyer, Christy Cowan, Maria Shanine, Steve and Critty Harper, Bev Wright, and all who showed so much love.

God bless you all — your kindness and support was deeply appreciated by her family.

— The Esther Family

Online condolences may be made at www.davison-fulton.com