Bernard Delos Beaman

Bernard Delos Beaman, age 94, of Berlin, died on Friday, January 30, 2026, in Milwaukee, near his daughters Colleen Beaman and Maureen Beaman.

He was born December 28, 1931, on the family farm near Berlin, WI, the son of Claire S. and Mabel E. Butler Beaman. His early school years focused on helping on the farm where he developed a sharp mechanical aptitude. He excelled at school and graduated from Berlin High School in 1949. On June 14, 1952, he was united in marriage to Barbara Kettlewell in Berlin.

As a young man, he farmed and worked at WP&L in Berlin while commuting to college to obtain his degrees in math, physics and chemistry. He began teaching in Green Lake in 1962, which was followed by a long teaching career at Clay Lamberton Elementary and Berlin High School. Bernard earned a master's degree in Educational Administration and then served as Assistant Principal at Berlin High School until his retirement, along with his role as the district transportation director. He sincerely loved being around kids, all day long. Bernard also donated his time in several capacities with the Town of Aurora, and was later honored with a town hall dedication. He was a past active member of Berlin United Methodist Church.

As a younger man, for fun, he scrambled around the Berlin school football field as a referee and later was the official football game videographer. He could build, or fix, just about anything. Bernard always relished a conversation about local farming or current events, and he had a steady interest in history and science, and in fact, could patiently explain the miraculous discovery of the DNA double helix. If headed out on a local road trip, he never left home without his well-worn copy of Wisconsin Geography. Another favorite book was authored by Caroline Kennedy, about the Constitution and civil rights. He was generous, friendly and interested in everyone who crossed his path, going way back to an early friendship with a Hungarian refugee who he met at college. He was an unmatched role model as teacher, husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his daughters, Colleen (David Moss) Beaman and Maureen Beaman; six grandchildren, Hart Moss, Evan Moss, Starr Moss, Wynne Moss, Lann Ellis and Ben Ellis (and their spouses); eight great-grandchildren; and sister, Marie Drecktrah. Bernard was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Barbara Beaman, on June 23, 2011; parents; and brothers, Richard Beaman and James Beaman.

Private graveside services with interment were held at Welsh Cemetery in Berlin. Arrangements have been entrusted to Barbola Funeral Chapel in Berlin. Memorials may be directed to BHS Scholarship Fund or UW Foundation School of Education Fund 112301110. Anyone wishing to send a sympathy card or memorial to the family, please mail to Bernard Beaman, c/o Barbola Funeral Chapel, PO Box 201, Berlin, WI 54923. UW Foundation School of Education Fund 112301110 can also be given online at https://secure.supportuw.org/give/.