Benjamin W. Beckermeyer

BECKERMEYER, Mr. Benjamin W. "Bennie", Jr.
Parchment, MI "Bennie" departed from his earthly journey into the arms of his Savior, Jesus on Sunday afternoon August 31, 2008. Born January 24, 1915 in Quincy, Illinois, he was the son of Ben and Maude Fink Beckermeyer. He was a 1934 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School and had been a resident of the Parchment area most of his life. He served his Country in WWII in the Navy from 1943-45. As an experienced diver, he encountered and defused dangerous weapons and was honored by the Navy for the recovery of naval weapons. Besides his love of the water, he was an accomplished photographer. For many years he served as the photographer for the Parchment Little League. He also took school, graduation, engagement and numerous family and wedding pictures. He was a life long member of Bethel Baptist Church and sang tenor in the choir. He was a charter member of the Bethel Quartet and sang with the group over 50 years. He was a faithful servant and lived his faith. He spent countless hours visiting shut-ins and the sick. Bennie was a photo engraver by trade and retired from LSI-Kala after 39 years. Although he had many accomplishments in his lifetime, he will be remembered most for his devotion to his wife, his daughters and his grandchildren. Many an hour of quality time was spent on Saturday's taking the children/grandchildren on car rides, bike rides and picnics. We will always treasure these "one on one" times with our Dad and Grandpa Ben. On September 28, 1940 he married Frances V. Randall Beckermeyer in Kalamazoo and this unity included over 59 years of love and devotion to each other. When Frances passed on March 13, 2000 he lost his soul mate. Survivors include his daughters, Nancy L. Rowlett of Kalamazoo, Jeff Rowlett of Plainwell and Sara J. Russ Tiller Jr. of Richland. Four grandchildren: Jeffrey Rowlett, Jennifer Carl Caley, Eric Amber Tiller and Keith Tiller; three great grandchildren: Kiley Tiller, Ethan Tiller and Carson Caley; one sister, Latona Hunt and one step sister-in-law, Charlotte Sonneville, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. His extended family included numerous church family and many friends from the Renzema's Bakery. Besides his wife Frances, he was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Orville, Robert and Kenneth Beckermeyer. Sister-in-laws Marie Beckermeyer, Marilyn Cerf, Eleanor Hill, Mary Randall, and Emily Vosser. Brother-in-laws Kelley Hill, Delbert Randall, Leon Hunt, Garrett Vosser, and step brother-in-law Bernard Sonneville. Services will be held 11 o'clock Friday at Bethel Baptist Church, 402 S. Westnedge Avenue, with the Rev. Mr. Dana Arledge officiating. Visitation will be 6-8pm Wednesday and 2-4 and 6-8pm Thursday at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Bethel Baptist Church Sharing Pantry, Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, or Hospice of Greater Kalamazoo. www.langelands.com . 343-1508.