William “Bill” James Beckwith, age 74, peacefully entered into eternal life, on February 13, 2024, while a patient at Mayo Health System-Eau Claire. His wife and two sons were lovingly present at his side.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024, from 4-7 p.m. at Chippewa Valley Cremation Services - Celebration of Life Center, 1717 Devney Drive, Altoona, WI. Visitation will continue Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1712 Highland Ave, one hour prior to the Mass of Christian Burial which will take place at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Father Francis Thadathil. Luncheon will follow the Mass. Private inurnment will follow the luncheon, at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4100 S Hastings Way, Eau Claire, WI.

Bill was born on October 22, 1949, at Sacred Heart Hospital, Eau Claire, WI to William and Estelle (Muszynski) Beckwith. He became their middle child, with SusanKay being the older sibling and Tom, the youngest. He attended St. Patrick’s school for the first year then continued his education at Lincoln Elementary School, followed by Central Junior High. He graduated from Eau Claire Memorial High School in 1967. Following those years he enrolled in the University of WI - Eau Claire, graduating in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education (Math and History). He earned his Master of Education-Professional Development degree from UW-Eau Claire, in 1992. His first teaching job (1974) was at Arcadia High School in Arcadia, WI where he taught various math courses, history and aerospace. He also coached basketball, golf and baseball.

He met his soulmate and love of his life, Mary, during this time and they were married on July 23, 1977, at the Ecumenical Religious Center in Eau Claire. They were blessed with two amazingly supportive and loving sons, Christopher William (1981) and Daniel Robert (1983). 1983 also began Bill’s teaching career with the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District in Chippewa Falls, WI. After a couple of years at the middle school he transferred to the high school. He taught various Math classes and coached baseball for 24 years, retiring in 2007. He recently received the prestigious honor of being inducted into the Chippewa Falls Athletic Hall of Fame.

First and foremost, Bill was a loving husband and father. Family time was extremely important to him—from early outings with his parents and siblings, camping, spending time at his grandparents cottage on the Totagatic Flowage near Minong, sports, hunting, fishing …….all of these things carried over into his married life. Spending quality time together as a family, instilling in his boys, the love of the outdoors, sports and hunting were all were of utmost importance. He was also a role model as a man of faith, instilling values and truths that he hoped would last a lifetime.

Many memories were made with friends as well, especially times spent playing fastpitch and slowpitch softball (well into his 60’s-playing at several National tournaments), camping with the Pine Point Posse Group, pheasant and deer hunting with the Arcadia hunting group and hitting the links with the Tuesday Golf Guys and monthly lunch get togethers with the retiree luncheon group. Taking trips with friends to Florida, Hawaii, Arizona for spring training and times spent relaxing at the trailer on Lake Holcombe were also highlights. Often found lying on his lap, were springers, Gracie and Maddie and lab, Libby. All held a special place in his heart.

Bill is survived by his wife, Mary; his sons, Christopher William (Anna Geisthardt) and Daniel Robert; brothers-in-law, Dick (Sue) Dahl and Thomas (Jody) Runningen; nephew, Mike (Jen) Dahl; nieces, Kelly (Scott) Boardman, Amy (Russell) Hubbard, and Elizabeth Dahl; great niece, Brittney (Trevor) Myers; and by great nephews, Levi (fiancé, Brooke) Boardman and Casey (Cheyenne) Boardman, and Skyler Hubbard.

Bill was preceded in death by his grandparents; his parents, Bill (2007) and Estelle (2006); his sister, SusanKay (Dick) Dahl (1999); nephew, Eric Dahl; brother, Tom (1986); his father-in-law, Robert Runningen (1995); and mother-in-law, Myrtle Runningen (2023); and aunts and uncles.

Memorials received will be directed to Feed My People Food Bank or the Chippewa Falls Booster Club in Bill’s memory.

Chippewa Valley Cremation Services-Celebration of Life Center in Eau Claire is serving the family. William “Bill” James Beckwith, age 74, peacefully entered into eternal life, on February 13, 2024, while a patient at Mayo Health System-Eau Claire. His wife and two sons were lovingly present at his side.