Walter J. “Wally” Van Beckum, 62, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully, Friday, March 7, 2014, at the Hospice House in Mount Pleasant. While coping with cancer for over a year, Wally remained brave, independent, gentle and without complaint. He was loved by his family and friends.

He was born on September 7, 1951, to the late Thomas A. and Dorothy Irene (Cunningham) Van Beckum in Kenosha. He was educated in the schools of Kenosha and graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in 1969. He attended UW-Madison and Parkside.

Wally worked in construction for many years.

Wally was an avid and dedicated fisherman and hunter. He was always “going up north”. He was a lifelong Packer fan who truly believed his good luck rituals actually worked.

Wally is survived by his brothers Tom (Carolyn) Van Beckum of Mount Pleasant, Donald (Lynnette) Van Beckum of Oxford, WI and Jeffrey Van Beckum of Kenosha. Wally was a kind and supportive uncle to Aime, Justin, Tom, Steven, Michael, Danielle, and Lauren.