William Beecroft, 95, passed away on Feb. 5, 2024, at Cumberland Care and Rehab, surrounded by family.
He was born Feb. 21, 1928, in Almena, Wisconsin.
He graduated from Prairie Farm High School and lettered in boxing. William farmed with his family and worked as a sawyer in the family business. He married Dorothea Gohl in 1948 and together they had four children. He became a well driller and ran his own business. Later he invented and patented a log-milling machine and built log homes. He loved making things including over 100 violins, a cello, muzzle-loading rifles, a cedar-strip canoe and fishing tip-ups. He played violin, accompanying Dorothea at piano for many nursing homes in the area. He was active in the community, supporting 4-H and church youth in project leadership, camping and canoe trips. He was an avid hunter, trapper and fisherman. He loved traveling west with Dorothea and his children.
He is survived by children, Jane Gibson (Brock), Dan Beecroft (Alexandra Till) and Virginia Beecroft; daughter-in-law, Dianna Beecroft; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Beecroft, Ione Gohl and Elnore Kuhl; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 74 years, Dorothea (Gohl); parents, Anna and William Beecroft; son, Ken Beecroft; brothers, Clarence and Eugene Beecroft; brothers-in-law, Eugene Gohl and Lloyd Kuhl; sister-in-law, Marie Beecroft; and nephews, Roger and Brad Beecroft.
Final arrangements are being completed by Skinner Funeral home in Cumberland, Wisconsin. A Celebration of Life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in McKinley Saturday, March 16, with visitation starting at 10 a.m. and service at 11 a.m., and a meal to follow. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in memory of William. The family would like to thank Cumberland Care and Rehab for the wonderful and compassionate care they provided.
