Thomas Ola Beeman, 90, of Duluth, passed away on March 2, 2018 in his sleep alongside his beloved wife, Esther, whom he adored for over 70 years.
Tom was born in Detroit, MI to Charles and Ruth Beeman on May 16, 1927. He was a graduate of Clawson High School class of 1944. He enlisted in the Army Air-Force specialty reserve training program at UW-Madison right after high school. When that program was discontinued, he enlisted in the Navy Air Corps and was sent to St. Ambrose College in Davenport, IA.
He had known Esther for years, but it wasn't until his younger sister, in the spring of '47, asked him to go on a double date did they realize their attraction for each other. They were married on February 26, 1949. He is quoted in his writings, "life without Esther is unimaginable". They had a strong bond until the very end.
Tom and Esther raised their children first in Detroit until he took a job with US Custom Services that moved the family to Port Huron, MI and finally to Duluth, MN. Tom once said of his career, "it was the most interesting and enjoyable work I have ever done". After retiring, he decided he wasn't done working and found a job with the US Agency for International Development, spending four years in Monrovia, Liberia. Once finally retiring for good, he enjoyed traveling, reading, watching movies, listening to classical music, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Tom was preceded in death by his brothers, Chuck and Ken; and sister, Betty.
Tom is survived by his wife, Esther; daughter, Wendy Bonner (Steve); sons, Marc, Nicholas (Linda), and Dan (Pam); grandchildren, Jennifer, Katie, Megan, Ashley, Andrew, Adam, Brandon, and Danna; and ten great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Golden Oaks for their care.
Private family services to be held at a later date.
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