Norman Beachley

Beachley, Norman

MADISON - Dr. Norman Beachley, UW Engineering professor, textbook author, "Belchfire" designer, pole vaulter, bicycle racer, windsurfing enthusiast, Birkebeiner competitor, tennis court builder, jazz pianist, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away May 23, 2021, in Madison, Wis.

Norm served in the U.S. Air Force from 1957-1959, designing rocket components for launching satellites into orbit. He met the love of his life, Marion Iglehart, when her brother (his roommate) introduced the two when he was a student at Cornell University. They married and moved to California in 1959, where he worked for Hughes Aircraft Company and Space Technology Laboratories. During that time, Norm designed and built his one-of-a-kind sports car, the "Beachley Belchfire." Its maiden voyage took him from California to New York, to begin his Ph.D. program at Cornell.

From 1966-1994, Norm worked as a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he researched improving fuel economy for motor vehicles through energy storage techniques using flywheel or hydropneumatic accumulators and was the advisor for the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) student racing group.

In 1981, Norm took a sabbatical at the University of Sussex in England, living there for a year with Marion and two of his three daughters. In mid-life, Norm and Marion enjoyed many adventures together, including biking across New Zealand and Scotland, as well as trips to China, Japan, Australia, Alaska, and several trips to Europe with the First United Methodist Church Choir. Well into their 70s, they enjoyed ElderHostel/Road Scholar trips, continuing their love of nature, local culture, and good food.

A lifelong musician, Norm "created" his own personal percussion section when he gave Marion a drum set for Christmas in 1996. They proceeded to have great fun playing together with Midtown Jazz, and later, as a much sought-after duo who wowed audiences throughout the Madison area, especially at their retirement community, Capitol Lakes.

Family was very important to Norm. He loved being a father to his three daughters, enthusiastically attending all of their sporting, music, and scholastic events. Later in life, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, particularly sharing his love of music, which included some lively intergenerational jam sessions. Norm was known for his dry wit, clever quips, and astute observations.

Norm is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marion; and their children, Brenda (John) Warren, Becky (Steve) Klunk, and Barb (Randy) Stenson; his sister, Cherry Stahlman; and six grandchildren. A celebration of his life will be held on June 30 at 2 p.m. at FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 203 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Norm's name to Porchlight, Inc., either online at porchlightinc.org or mailed to Porchlight, Inc. 306 North Brooks St., Madison, WI 53715.