Fred R. Beckmann

Fred R. Beckmann, 82, passed away on May 31, 2013. Fred was born in Pekin, Illinois on July 25, 1930. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1953 with a degree in civil engineering. In 1953, he married Joanne Drake, also of Pekin, Illinois. Joanne and Fred spent the majority of their life together in Chicago Heights. They were long-time members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Park Forest. Fred started his career in Pennsylvania at Pittsburgh-Des Moines Steel, having later worked in Springfield, IL. The majority of his career was spent at Chicago Heights Steel (Allied Steel) after which he spent 14 years at the American Institute for Steel Construction (AISC) in downtown Chicago, having retired in 1994. Fred was known as one of the nation’s recognized expert on steel bridge fabrication. His expertise was recognized by AISC which awarded him the AISC Lifetime Achievement Award in special recognition for many years of exceptional service to AISC and to the structural steel design, construction, and academic communities. In his younger years, Fred was an avid tennis player. In addition to his love of bridges, he especially enjoyed sharing his advice and wisdom to anyone willing to listen. Fred is survived by his wife, Joanne, their three children and their families: Dennis and Karen (Houston, TX), Ken and Nancy (Kansas City), Cindy and Bruce (Kansas City). They have 9 grandchildren: Liesl Connelly, Heidi Person, Martin Beckmann, Bruce Beckmann, Dan Beckmann, Matthew Beckmann, Alex Tracy, Greg Tracy, and Claire Tracy. They have 3 great grandchildren: Benjamin, Christopher, and Raegan Connelly. Visitation will be Monday, June 3 from 3:30-7:30 pm at Heartland Memorial Center, 1340 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., with a 10:00 a.m. visitation prior to the service, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2901 Western Avenue, Park Forest, IL 60466. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either: Trinity Lutheran Church, 2901 Western Avenue, Park Forest, IL 60466 or American Institute of Steel Construction, general scholarship fund in Fred Beckmann's name. Checks made payable to AISC Education Foundation, Inc. and mailed to: AISC, Attn: Danielle Bronkema, One E. Wacker Drive, Suite 700, Chicago, IL 60601. Please note Fred Beckmann in the memo portion of the chec

Fred R. Beckmann

July 25, 1930 - May 31, 2013