Joseph John "Joe" Beckmann Jr.

Joseph John "Joe" Beckmann Jr., 74, of St. Joseph passed away on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital, Grand Rapids, Mich.

A celebration of life memorial service will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, with Father Ambrose officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Lakers Athletic Department. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Joe Beckmann, born on Aug. 8, 1951, in Benton Harbor to Joseph and Marie (Schramm) Beckmann. He was a proud member of the first graduating class of Lake Michigan Catholic High School, where he graduated in 1970. Joe continued his education at the University of Alabama, where he made his mark as a walk-on football player, embracing the spirit of the game that he loved.

Due to family circumstances, Joe completed his college journey at Lake Michigan College, where he earned an associate degree in criminology. Professionally, Joe dedicated his career to serving the community as the chief investigator of child support at the Berrien County Courthouse. His impact extended beyond the courtroom; he devoted nearly 40 years to coaching, starting out as an assistant varsity football coach and JV boys' basketball coach under Sam Skarich, before taking the helm in 1981 for The Lady Lakers.

In those 11 seasons as head coach, his record stands at 155 wins and 106 losses, which included five conference championships, six district titles, three regional crowns, one MHSAA Class C state semi-final appearance ('86), one MHSAA Class C state runner-up ('87) and one MHSAA Class C state championship ('88), while receiving individual accolades from the Associated Press as Michigan High School Class C Coach of the Year in 1986 and Regional Coach of the Year from 1986-88.

One of the last conversations my dad and I had while in the hospital, he shared with me that he was proud of how aggressive his teams played and how much they sacrificed to achieve what they did will always echo throughout time. He was overwhelmed with emotion when going through all his former players and how proud of who they've become. He did serve for years later as a JV boys basketball coach under Wayne Stefanich and later with his son Josh at Lake Michigan Catholic High School (Our Lady of The Lake Catholic Lakers), inspiring countless young athletes.

A proud alumnus of the University of Alabama – ROLL TIDE! – Joe was an enthusiastic supporter of their sports teams and cherished every moment spent cheering them on. In addition to his love for sports, he enjoyed cooking, especially at The Chatterbox for several years and was an active member of the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor Elks Lodge #541. Whether you would see Joe at The Elks pulling for Alabama, The Chatterbox cheering on his Tigers or sitting out at "Manland" watching the Lions with Leif and Toni Etter and friends, he just wanted to be surrounded with people he enjoyed and loved spending time with.

Joe was known as "Papa Joe" to his three loving grandchildren: Landon, Oliver and Emalyn, and cherished the memories with nephews and nieces during family gatherings. He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his community, being a very proud father and grandfather, his passion for coaching, and the joy he brought to those around him. Fighting hard just like he had coached, being aggressive with his treatment up until his final breath never giving up because that is what his mother Marie always taught him. Never quit.

Joe is survived by his son, Josh (Melissa) Beckmann of St. Joseph; grandchildren: Landon, Oliver and Emalyn Beckmann; and sisters: Marcia Anstiss, Kathy Martin and Terri (Mike) Graham.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Joseph and Marie; siblings: Jim, Mickey and Sharon Beckmann; and brother-in-law, David Martin.