Ishpeming – Gilbert R. Beckmann Jr., age 62 of 1505 Randall Dr. passed away on Sunday, December 25, 2016 at home while in the loving care of his family and U.P. Home Health and Hospice.

Gilbert was born in Hancock, MI to the late Gilbert Sr. and Cecelia (Gamache) Beckmann. He was a graduate of the Republic High School, class of 1972. He continued his education at Northern Michigan University where he attended classes for 5 years. He was married to his wife Karen (Dryge) Beckmann for 29 years, they will always be remembered as being the two peas in a pod. Gilbert worked at Cleveland Cliffs for 42 years retiring as crew coordinator.

Gilbert was a member of the Negaunee Rod and Gun Club, the National Rifle Association, and the Viper Club. He loved science, space, reading, rebuilding cars, was a MOPAR collector, an avid Packers fan, achieved a black belt in karate, and especially enjoyed going to car shows across the entire country, where he was very sociable and loved making friends. He and his wife Karen had gone to the MOPAR Nationals for 28 years. Along with Gilberts love for cars, he also was a motorcycle enthusiast and collector.

Gilbert is survived by his wife Karen, Mother Pat Beckmann, children- Ranae (Kurt Johnson) Beckmann-Johnson of Ishpeming, Ryan Beckmann of Ishpeming, Robert (Cindy) Reichel Jr. of Negaunee, Scott Reichel of Marquette, Siblings- Leilani Beckmann, Rosalind Beckmann, Linda (Wayne) Walenski, Steven Lindahl, Judy (Alan) Mattila, grandchilden- Alea Beckmann, Chelsea Reichel, Jeremy Reichel, Ryan Reichel, Bobby Reichel III, Jamie Reichel, 2 great grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews. Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents and brother Carl Beckmann.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home on Thursday, December 29 at 5:00 PM with Sister Margey Schmelzle to officiate. The family will greet relatives and friends from 3:00 PM until the time of the service at 5:00 PM. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery. A gathering of friends and family will follow the services at the Ishpeming Township Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the St. Francis Hospital Oncology Department in Escanaba, MI.

Gilbert's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .