John Glenn Beckman

John Glenn Beckman was born in Rhinelander on October 12, 1966, to Delores (Hanson) & Glenn Beckman. He passed away peacefully at home on January 13, 2025. John was a member of the Rhinelander High School Class of 1985 and following high school, went to work in the construction field. He started at Red Arrow of Rhinelander in September of 1996 and during his 27 years there, received his journeyman card in maintenance mechanics and had completed four years toward becoming an electro-mechanic before he was forced to quit, due to health issues.

John married Tracy Gardner on August 29, 1998, and together they raised their two children at their home in the City of Rhinelander until 2017 when they moved to his childhood home on Townline Lake in Newbold. While always a work-in-progress, the lake house became the place that John built. A house with good bones and fine memories, it was here that the Beckmans honed their entertaining skills, hosting as many gatherings as possible, inviting anyone to visit, breathe in peace and serenity, have a cocktail, take in a view of the lake or a pontoon ride. John welcomed guests with open arms and always made sure to have at the ready a joke or two.

John, affectionately nicknamed Stumpy by his high school shop teacher, was able to fix just about anything. It was a true talent he learned at the hands of his father. He was an avid outdoorsman who lived for hunting and fishing. Since he was 14, he traveled each June to Canada with his father, Uncle Larry and others including his kids. After his dad passed, he kept up the tradition with his kids and friends, only missing the lockdown years of 2020 and 2021. In 2024, he was able to realize a life-long dream of fishing Canada in the fall as well as the spring. He loved fishing for brookies and was just at home in the big lakes of Canada as he was in his little rowboat, all alone, casting along the shores of Townline Lake.

He hunted turkey & grouse, but mostly loved hunting deer. Whether bow, gun or muzzle loader season, he loved being at the family hunting land fondly nicknamed, “The Shack” with his best friend and brother-in-law, Brian. He loved his hunting land as if it were his own child, cultivating deer crops and memories with the same fervor. He loved to show off the shack to anyone willing to visit and loved hosting guests during his birthday weekend each fall.

John will be remembered as a kind, selfless person, always willing to help a friend. He will be remembered as a hard-worker and a strong but gentle soul who would do anything for anybody at any time. He was an exceptional man that will be dearly missed. 

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Tracy (Gardner) Beckman, their two children Kevin and Emma Beckman, sisters Sandi (Brian) Rasmussen, Cindy (Bruce) Collins, Kathy (Dave Gabert) & Sherri (Clayton) Opper, his nephews Paul Rasmussen, Andrew & Shane Polzin, his niece Tara Gabert, two great-nieces Laura & Sofie Polzin, his in-laws including father-in-law Ken Gardner, sisters-in-law Kelly Gardner and Debbie (Michael) Watz and brothers-in-law Greg Gardner & Michael Watz as well as nephews Thomas & Richard Watz and niece Samantha. John has a large extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins that he dearly loved. 

He has joined his parents Glenn and Delores Beckman, his mother-in-law Sandy Gardner, his grandparents and many aunts and uncles, cousins and friends that are once again enjoying his company and a fine joke or two.

Visitation for Mr. Beckman will be held at the Carlson Funeral Home from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, followed by a celebration of life at noon.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in John’s name to the Friends of Town Line Lake Park and mailed to 404 N. Stevens Street, Rhinelander, WI 54501. You may leave your private condolences for the Beckman family at www.carlsonfh.com. 

The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the family.