John was born April 10, 1920 in Oconto, one of seven children born to the late John and Marie (Sauve) Beekman. Early in his life John was employed by Holt Hardwood, and was employed most of his life as a cement layer by his brother-in-law Leo Sauve who owned a construction company in Milwaukee. On August 30, 1941 John united in marriage to the former Eudora Hazen at St. Peter Catholic Church, Oconto. The couple resided in Oconto much of their life, where they were members of the Holy Trinity Parish. John was very much an outdoors person. He greatly enjoyed fishing, trapping, hunting, and gardening. John enjoyed collecting aluminum and scrap iron as well.
Surviving are his loving wife of 58 years Eudora; for sons and daughters-in-law, Eugene and Sandra, Greg and Diane, and Jeff and Julie all of Green Bay; Gerald and Carol of Oconto; two daughters and a son-in-law, Mary and Tom Trepainer and Ann Beekman of Oconto; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Jerry and LuLane and Bill "Beezer" and Dee , of Oconto; two sisters Norine Bitetto, New York; and Theresa Lehman, Marinette; 16 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
John was preceded in death by three brothers, Leonard, Ronald and Earl, and by two sisters, Katherine "Honey" LeBreck and Marge Stock. Visitation was held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Oconto from 4:00 p.m. until 6:45 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11. Mass of Resurrection was held at 7:00 p.m. Monday at the Church, Fr. David Ruby officiated. Internment at Oconto Catholic Cemetery.
Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home, Oconto assisting the family.