Bernard F. Beckham

Bernard F. Beckham, age 95, of Valparaiso, IN, passed away on March 29, 2024. Bernard was born in Gary, IN, on February 3, 1929, to Patrick Beckham and Clara Keilman Beckham. He married Elizabeth Pishkur on December 30, 1950. They enjoyed 73 years of marriage. Bernard worked as a bartender at Jackson’s Restaurant, Gary Hotel, and Golden Coin between the early 50s – late 60s. He worked concurrent construction jobs. During the late 60s, he started a career as a steelworker. He retired from Bethlehem Steel after 26 years. Bernard was a member of the Friendly Sons of Erin and the Knights of Columbus. He delighted in attending sports events, rallying for Andrean baseball, Notre Dame football, and the Chicago White Sox. Bernie will be remembered in many ways. The carousel of recycled jokes he imparted across generations. Stories of plucking turkeys for a quarter a piece during the Great Depression. His favorite songs that twinkle and dance, sweeping jazz melodies. He would walk to the edge of infinity and back for his family. We’ll remember him with every smile line and grey hair he gifted us. Thank you for being ours, “Dr. English.” He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (nee Pishkur) Beckham; sons: Michael (Nancy) Beckham, Kevin (Jami) Beckham, Brian (DeeDee) Beckham; daughter, Kathleen (Greg) Koenig; grandchildren: Katie, Michael, Alyson, Grace, Kelle, Kacie, Patrick and Molly Beckham, Cameron and Caroline Koenig; great-grandsons: Wyatt, Sebastian, Dominic, Joel, Drew, and Dax; sister-in-law, Mary Geras; many nieces and nephews. Bernard was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Stephen (Lydia Alverez Beckham) Traicoff. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or any charity of your choice. A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 7, 2024, from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. Knights of Columbus prayer service will take place at 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, 2024. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 8, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. directly at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 W. Harrison Blvd., Valparaiso, IN. Rev. Roque Meraz officiating. www.burnsfuneral.com

Bernard F. Beckham

February 3, 1929 - March 29, 2024