J. Daniel Beebe passed away peacefully on Dec. 8, 2023 at the age of 90 and will be missed greatly by all who knew him. Dan was patient, kind, caring, compassionate, and had an amazing sense of humor. He was a loving husband, and a wonderful father.
Dan was born and raised in River Falls, Wis. and developed his work ethics at an early age, maintaining a paper route, doing odd jobs, and later working at local businesses to help with family expenses. After high school graduation he enlisted and served in the Army during the Korean War. Dan was stationed in Tokyo, Japan, working as a cryptographic specialist and supervisor, coding and decoding for the Army Security Division. Dan was released from active duty in June 1955 to the Army Reserves and returned to college in the fall on the G.I. Bill. After corresponding with Barb Vaughn while in the Army they married soon after his return on Nov. 11, 1955, spending 67 wonderful years of marriage together.
Dan graduated from the University of Wisconsin in River Falls with a B.S. in Secondary Education and Math in 1958. He earned his M.S. degree in Mathematics from the University of Iowa in 1961. Dan continued his education, spending a year at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks earning a Doctoral Degree in Education, Measurements and Statistics in 1972, and he also received a six-year degree in Education Administration from Mankato State University. The majority of Dan’s professional career was spent working for Mankato State University in various capacities, first teaching High School Math at Wilson Campus School, a lab school that was part of Mankato State University, and then working as an Associate Director and Practicum Coordinator at Wilson Campus School. When Wilson Campus School closed Dan became the Director of Handicapped Student Services and held teaching assignments in curriculum and instruction and educational administration at Mankato State University. Dan retired from Mankato State University in 1995 and was granted Emeriti Faculty Status.
Dan enjoyed spending time with family and friends, camping, traveling, and relaxing at the cabin on Norway Lake in Minnesota, including boating, fishing, and time spent around a campfire. Dan and Barb spent time on their motorcycles, taking many trips, including one to Sturgis, SD. After retirement Dan and Barb split time between their homes in Tuscon, Ariz., Coon Rapids, Minn., and traveling in their RV throughout the US. Dan had many passions; researching genealogy, involvement in political campaigns, charities, and was dedicated to education.
He was preceded in death by his parents Nolan and Hazel Beebe, his loving wife Barb (Vaughn) Beebe, and brother Wayne Beebe. He is survived by daughter Sue Beebe-Viere (Steve Viere); sister Marion Beebe, sister-in-law Kathye Beebe; nieces and nephew, Sharyl Beebe, Holly (Jeff) Pizzi, Deborah Magnuson (Paul Kirst), Sandra Magnuson (Mark Maples), Mike Magnuson (Sue Curtis). A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
