Jean M. Beckman

OTTAWA - Jean M. (Kiene) Beckman, age 91, of Ottawa, Ohio, passed away on Friday, December 24, 2021 at The Meadows of Ottawa. She was born on July 1, 1930 to the late Joseph and Gertrude (Stechschulte) Kiene on their farm in Pandora, Ohio.  Jean was always proud to be a Pandora girl. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband and the love of her life, Jim Beckman (1928-1985); three sisters, Rosemary (Delbert) Latta, Agnes (Alton) Friedel, and Cecilia (David) Webster; two brothers, Richard (Ceil) and Charles Kiene; and a sister-in-law: Cassie Kiene.

She is survived by her twin brother, Jim Kiene of Pandora; and eight children: Chris (Kevin) McHugh of Cincinnati; Ann (Jerry) Kaylor of Vandalia; Stan (Dee) Beckman of Ottawa; Tom (Ed Tower) Beckman of Harrison; Barney (Theresa) Beckman of Ottawa; Ellen (Mark) Diemer of Pandora; Paul (Valery) Beckman of Morton, Illinois; and Philip (Susan) Beckman of Ivoryton, Connecticut; 16 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Home and family were all-important to Jean. She said that the best time in her life was when she and Jim were raising a family, when the house was full and busy. Feisty and strong-willed, Jean was a force at 467 North Perry Street, and Jim, who was crazy about her, was wise enough to step aside most of the time. With an emphasis on hard work and humility, they modeled a real partnership of love and devotion. Though Jean was a private person, she made dear friends over the years. As they all grew older, she lost them one by one. She was always proud of being an owner of Beckman Jewelers, and she blossomed socially at the store, delighting in seeing customer-friends and hearing their news. She also loved the staff at the Meadows and enjoyed joking with them and hearing about their lives.

On her own spiritual journey, Jean often mused about what might await us after this life and was hopeful about heaven. She is surely there now, dancing with her Jim, her forehead gently resting on his chin.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at 10:30 a.m. For everyone's safety, Jean's family requests that attendees please wear masks. Because of COVID precautions, there will be no public gathering afterward.

Arrangements are under the direction of LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa.

Memorial donations may be made to Putnam County Hospice at 575 Ottawa-Glandorf Rd #3 PO Box 312, Ottawa, OH 45875.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com.

Putnam County Hospice
575 OG Road Suite 3, PO Box 312, Ottawa OH 45875