79, of Bushnell
Jane Evangeline Beckman, 79, of Bushnell, Illinois, passed away at 5:45 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026, at The Villas at Bushnell.
She was born on October 10, 1946, in Fenton, Illinois, to Thomas and Evangeline (Vandermyde) Venhuizen. Jane married George Ira Beckman on June 8, 1968, in Morrison, Illinois. He preceded her in death on December 31, 2024.
She is survived by her two children: Greg (Nora) Beckman of Gig Harbor, Washington, and Rachel Beckman of DeKalb, Illinois; six grandchildren: Matthew, Lucille, Nicholas, and Anthony Beckman, and Abby and Tyler Calhoun; one brother, Jim Venhuizen of Idaho Falls, Idaho; one sister, Mary Venhuizen of Idaho Falls, Idaho; and her sister-in-law, Nancy Venhuizen of Morrison, Illinois.
Jane earned her Bachelor’s degree in Botany in 1968 from Western Illinois University. She served as a substitute teacher and as Bushnell Township Clerk for many years and also enjoyed playing bridge with close friends. She was a proud supporter of sports and the parents booster club at Bushnell Prairie City schools and could always be found, (and heard) at all home and away games for all of the sports Greg and Rachel participated in. Jane’s involvement with the Town & Country Festival in Bushnell started early. She pioneered the Pie and Cake Show/auction, and also started the Dog and Cat show. Her mandate to the local veterinarians who served as judges was that every child with a cat, kitten, dog or puppy gets a ribbon! (biggest ears, longest whiskers, pinkest tongue, etc.)
After Greg and Rachel left for college, Jane earned her Realtor license and set up shop at Key Realtors in Macomb, IL. She was eventually licensed as a Broker and taught Real Estate licensure classes in Macomb.
Jane was a proud member of the Bushnell Rotary Club for decades and was also named a Paul Harris Fellow. She also delivered meals for Meals on Wheels, and participated in American Red Cross Blood Drives.
Jane enjoyed rural living and her friends in Bushnell immensely. Her passion to grow things, which always yielded a huge garden and orchard filled with produce each year. Nothing pleased her more than creating cakes, pies, pickled and preserved goods as gifts for friends and family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George; and her brother, Kenneth Venhuizen.
Cremation rites have been accorded with her wishes. A Celebration of Life will be held from 4-7 PM on May 22, 2026 at the Train Depot, Bushnell, Illinois honoring Jane and George.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the George Beckman Scholarship Fund, which supports Building Trades and Vocational Education, established at Farmers and Merchants Bank in Bushnell.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Martin-Hollis Funeral Home. Online condolences and guestbook entries may be made at www.martinhollisfh.com.
