Gale D. Beekman

Gale D. Beekman, age 76 of rural Ipava, Illinois, passed away at 10:05 am Sunday, March 12, 2023 in the Emergency Room of OSF St. Clair Medical Center in Princeton, Illinois. He was born on December 23, 1946 in Ipava, the son of Willis F. and Marjorie L. (Thompson) Beekman. He married Annie Stambaugh on August 7, 2004 in Canton, Illinois. She survives.

Also surviving are his children; Stacey (and Richard) Meehan of Astoria, Illinois, Brad (and Bambi) Beekman of Bushnell, Illinois, Chad (and Heather) Beekman of Lewistown, Illinois, Kelly (and Tom) Carlock of Chandlerville, Illinois, and Rachel (and Clint) Laethem of Princeton, Illinois, 15 grandchildren; Zeke (and Lauren Krohe) Meehan, Zeb Meehan, Macey (and Lucas) Utter, Gage (and Alex Silvola) Beekman, Bailey Cale, Broc Beekman, Brynlee Beekman, Cade Beekman, Clay Beekman, Cole Beekman, Lexi (and Michael Curry) Carlock, Gabe Carlock, Belle Carlock, Ella Laethem and Evelyn Laethem, 2 great-grandsons Nash and Crew Utter, his sister Karen (and Scott) Tippey of Lewistown, Illinois and his brother Donald (and Debra) Beekman of Emden.

Gale was an Army veteran, serving stateside during the Vietnam War with a rank of Specialist 4.

He worked at Fiat-Allis in Bluff City, Illinois to begin his working career. He then was a salesman for Moorman Feed. He then began his insurance career, becoming an agent for Country Companies and later became owner and operator of the Insurance Center in Havana, Illinois for over 30 years. He also assisted part-time in the auctioneer business with his son, Chad.

Gale enjoyed gardening, golfing, fishing, camping, hunting mushrooms, and caring for his farm. He also enjoyed traveling, both in the United States and abroad. He was an avid horseman, training and trail riding his Tennessee Walkers.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Havana, Illinois. He also was a member of the Astoria American Legion Post #25 where he was a Past Commander. He was a member and served on the church board at Summum Christian Church.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, March 16th from 5-7 pm at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria. Masonic services will take place at 7:00 pm. A Celebration of Gale’s Life will take place on Friday, March 17th at 11:00 am at Shawgo Memorial Home. Pastor Darrin Fish will officiate. Interment will be in the Summum Cemetery with full military rites provided by the Astoria American Legion Post #25. Memorials in Gale’s memory may be made to the Summum Christian Church or the Astoria American Legion Post #25.