William Beckstrom

William “Bill” Beckstrom, 72, of Norway passed away peacefully late Tuesday evening, January 10, 2023, in the comfort of his home with his best friend and soulmate and family at his side. Bill was born April 5, 1950, in Norway, the son of the late Ernest and Anita Beckstrom. He graduated from Norway High School in 1968 and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp. in 1969 with an honorable discharge in 1971. He was a very proud Marine, and it was an honor to him to have completed his tour of duty in Vietnam. He returned home, working various jobs, and soon joined the Labors Union for a few years before joining the Iron Workers in 1988. He worked on many structures and infrastructures throughout the Upper Peninsula. He then traveled away from home many times across the United States for months at a time to Utah, Oklahoma (oil rigs), and to Penn State Stadium, to name a few. He was at the start up of the Quinnesec Mill at the beginning and ended up back there until his retirement in 2015 from Local 8 of Milwaukee. Bill and his partner and life time friend and her two small children became a family 44 years ago. He proudly accepted being their dad. Bill loved adventures and was very spontaneous. Many times they would hear him say, “Pack a bag.” When they asked, “Where we going?” he would respond, “I don’t know, but we’ll find out when we get there.” His travels were from Disneyland and Sea World in the west, to D.C., New York and Niagara Falls in the east, and as much as possible in between, including many yearly trips to Daytona Beach to attend Bike Week with his Harley and BMW and a weeklong visit to London to spend time with his sister, Lucy, when she was living and working there. While in the UK, he took a quick trip over to Belgium and Paris, France. The family expanded, and he became “Grandpa Bill” to 2 granddaughters, “Princess 1” and “Princess 2.” He enjoyed watching them grow. In the past 10 years he became “Pa Pa Bill” to 5 great-grandchildren. PaPa and Nana once again enjoyed and loved spending time with popcorn, ice cream and sleep overs. Family time always came first. Bill had many hobbies such as building or fixing anything that was needed, welding or fabricating, and collecting whatever that sparked an interest. He enjoyed all types of music, especially from the 60’s through the 80’s. If there was music playing, he was singing, and his body was moving. If there wasn’t any music, he was whistling a tune. Bill was a die hard Detroit Lions fan, along with the Red Wings, the New York Yankees, Go Blue, and Nascar, and he attended many of these events. He also enjoyed all types of hunting, fishing and camping. Spending time with the wonders of Mother Nature was his happy place. Not only a union member, Bill was a long time member of the American Legion Post 50, a lifetime member of the NRA, and many other organizations. He contributed to many organizations, including Wounded Warriors, DAV, and the U.S. Shooting Team, to name a few, and he purchased any raffle tickets offered to him. He also supported Hardcore Scripture Outdoor events. Bill is survived by his soulmate and best friend, June Maynard; a daughter, Cherish (Jerry) Huotari; a son, Eric Maynard; 2 sisters, Lois Zember of Menasha, WI, and Betty Scott of Woodbridge, VA; grandchildren, Samantha of Jacksonville, NC with great-granddaughters, Adalynn and Amelia, and Sarah of Green Bay, WI, with great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Dylaney and Wayne; many nieces, nephews, cousins and Uncle Wes. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by a sister, Lucy Blethyn, a special cousin, Michael Perket, and special Auntie Eleanor Johnsen. Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 28th from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain with a funeral service and military honors to follow at 2:00 pm at the funeral home. Pastor Jim Danielson will officiate. Condolences may be expressed to the family of William “Bill” Beckstrom online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

William Beckstrom

April 5, 1950 - January 10, 2023