Obituary
Joanne Miller, 92, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025.
Born on November 3, 1932, in Lansing, Michigan, Joanne was the cherished daughter of
Wingold and Florence Gillette. She demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities early in her
life, serving as the president of her class upon graduating from South Bend Indiana High School
in 1950. Joanne continued her educational journey, earning a bachelor's degree from Indiana
University, where she also took on the role of president of her sorority.
In 1955, Joanne married Thomas A. Beckmann in South Bend, Indiana. Together, they
embraced the joys and responsibilities of family life, raising six children in New York before
relocating to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1975. In February, 2025, she made the significant move to
Oregon. During her professional career, Joanne dedicated many years to BPC Ind. Inc., where
she made valuable contributions.
Joanne was preceded in death by her eldest son Thomas Beckmann and leaves behind her
beloved: Joanne Peel, Pamela McBeth, Mary Distelhorst, James Beckmann, and Michael
Beckmann. She will also be lovingly remembered by her 17 grandchildren, 12 great-
grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.