Matthew James Beckman

Matthew James Beckman was 52 years old when he lost his battle with cancer on the morning of October 28, 2026. 

He is survived by his son, Joseph Russell Beckman, who lives in Illinois with his maternal grandmother, Francis Waible, his mother, Catherine Louise Beckman, his sister, Theresa Fritzel and her husband, Max Fritzel, his two nieces, Noah and Leigh Fritzel of Houston, Texas, and many extended loving family and friends. 

He was a beloved son and brother who left a hole in our hearts that will be hard to fill. Among his greatest loves, besides his family and friends, were woodworking with turquoise, gardening, especially bonsai, steam engines and model trains. He made friends with both humans and animals with ease, including several named hummingbirds and lizards that still visit the house. He loved campfires, especially in his little grotto that he designed for the backyard, camping, listening to the Grateful Dead and watching the movie the Blues Brothers. He was a musician who played the saxophone and the guitar and loved singing. He was a snappy dresser who charmed the hearts of everyone he met. He will be missed by all.