Judy Beckman

Judy Jean Beckman passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center on January 24, 2023, in Appleton, Wisconsin at the age of 80. 

Judy Jean Mitchell was born on July 18, 1942, in Parkersburg, NC to Ondus “Buddie” and Margaret “Ronie” (Johnson) Mitchell. She was raised a farm girl, who’s Daddy passed when she was 13 years old. Being one of nine children, she knew what demanding work and family was all about. 

She met Billy Dean Beckman, who was stationed at Ft Bragg, NC, on a blind date. Six months later, they eloped, one week after Judy’s 18th birthday, on July 25, 1960. That night, after their ceremony, Judy went home, and Bill went back to the barracks not letting anyone know they were married. Not long after that, Bill brought Judy to the home of his parents, Clarence “Slim” and Dorothy (Fitzpatrick) Beckman in Appleton, Wisconsin, to live while he was stationed in Alaska. 

During her journey, as she raised her four girls, Judy became “surrogate mom” to many, ruling the neighborhood kids with an iron fist. Her small stature made the kids chuckle, but only once, until the tongue-lashing would take place, then they realized she meant business, but they all loved and respected her. Some came to her home and simply never left. 

Judy would enjoy many activities from going dancing on Friday nights, Trivial Pursuit game night on Saturdays to Bingo on Sundays, stopping at a rummage sale or two mid-week. Include reading a book or two and completing, at least half, a knitting project would round out her week. That is not to say the Judy was all fun and games. When times were lean, she would do without to make sure her family had what they needed. She would get a job or two, even having three at a time once or twice. This did not make her neglect her family. If anything, she was more present, protective, and persistent that her family would not be in need. 

Judy enjoyed most of all being a grandmother to 10 grandchildren: Scott Knapp, Cole (Ericka) Knapp, Josh (Jaime) Galow, Brett Beckman, Drew Knapp, Callie Jo Knapp, Alex Beckman (Mari Smith), Samantha Stueber, Kati Oakley (Zach Watry) and Michael Oakley and her 9 great-grandchildren. 

Judy is survived by her four daughters, Connie Beckman, Fond du Lac WI, Sherry (David) Galow, Appleton, WI, Diana Beckman, Little Chute, WI and Paula Beckman, Kaukauna, WI. Her siblings, Rose Waring, CA, Ruth Mitchell, NC and Ronnie (Cheryl) Mitchell, NC and many nieces and nephews. 

Judy was preceded in death by parents, her stepfather Louis “Louie” Verrier and her siblings Oliver Coleman “OC or Mitch” Mitchell, Rayford “Junior” Mitchell, Margie Horrell, Margaret “Elveen” Grimsely and Betty “Caroline von Ziemann”  

We hope one and all will join us in their brightest colors and comfiest attire for a relaxing and joyous afternoon of celebrating Judy’s home going and trading stories about her escapades, high jinks and histories. 

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held February 19th from 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM at: 

Fox Crossing Community Center 

1000 Valley Road 

Menasha WI 54952 

In lieu of flowers, donations will be given to the Fox Valley Humane Society.