Stephen Beckman

In loving memory of Stephen G. Beckman, age 73, of Westland, Michigan, passed away on November 22, 2022 at 5:43 pm. Steve is the beloved brother of Sue, Jerry (Linda), Joanne (the late Tim) and Greg.

Steve is survived by his nieces Terri (Kevin), Ann (Hannes), Paula (Brian) and Michele (Chris); Nephews Frank (Diane), Michael (Colleen) and Andrew (Kaitlyn); great-nieces Emelie, Lindsay, Sofia and Lizzy; great-nephews Adam (Tabetha), Ryan, Justin, Connor, Kevin and Liam; great-great nephew Leo; and great-great niece Millie. He also had many life-long friends including Dennis, Ron and Dawn.

Steve Graduated from Cody High School in Detroit, Michigan in 1967. Steve was in the Army 5th Division from 1968-1970. He spent a year in Vietnam and had R&R in Honolulu. Steve earned the Combat Infantry Badge and was awarded the Purple Heart, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, US Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Stars, and Army Commendation Medal.

Steve worked at Detroit Diesel until 1984 when he had to take a medical retirement.

Steve loved to bike and had one for every occasion. Steve loved to fish and one of his favorite spots was Newburgh Lake. Steve loved Cheetos and even made up a song about them. All those who knew Steve knew he always had a mountain dew in his hand.

Steve decided not to have a funeral service yet instead chose to be cremated. Cremation services are being entrusted to Neely Turowski Funeral Home, Livonia, Michigan.

Memories of Steve shared by his family:

Steve used to have a 1975 black Monte Carlo that he would wax every day. It was his pride and joy.

Kids liked aquariums so Uncle Steve told them to go look at his. They came out screaming. He had three tanks of Piranhas.

One Christmas, Uncle Steve gave his nieces and nephew jars full of coins. They thought it was the greatest gift.

One of his great-nieces asked for a large stuffed bear for her birthday. Showed him the picture and said I am buying that bear.

When his niece and great-nieces came from California, Uncle Steve enjoyed going out to dinner at Red Robin with them.

When Steve lived at American House, I called him the social director. He liked sitting on the porch greeting everyone that came and went. Steve knew peoples’ cars and license plate numbers of each resident. If the staff was looking for one of the residents Steve could tell them where they were. Steve was loved by everyone that he met.

Steve loved to bike. One day, a friend was in New Boston. He saw Steve and asked him if he wanted a ride home and he said no. Plymouth to New Boston is quite a bike ride there and back.

Steve was in Vietnam and did not talk about this part of his life. One of his nephews had to do a report for school. Instead of just reading a book he asked his Uncle Steve if he would help him with his report. One of the few times he has talked about Vietnam.

Steve never had kids of his own and enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews.

Steve is the godfather to one of his nieces. They delighted in sharing puns with each other.

Steve loved to go fishing. Whenever you went to sit on his couch you had to make sure there were no fishing lures stuck in the cushions or on the armrest.

Whenever anyone came to visit Steve, he would ask them if they brought him a mountain dew. He could have been their spokesperson.

Steve loved watching the Detroit Tigers both in person and on TV.

Steve loved life and people.