David J. Beauchamp

David was a very hard worker all of his life. Working on the family farm and in the woods with his dad and family taught him what a hard day’s work was. For all of his life, no matter what, he was proud of the work he did. He was spoken very highly of in all his professional accomplishments, no matter the endeavor. He graduated from Rock High School in 1969 and joined the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Korea at the demilitarized zone. In 1971, he was honorably discharged and returned home to become a construction worker. David took correspondence courses in auto mechanics, eventually receiving a certificate in auto repair and welding.

He was a proud union man belonging to Operating Engineers Local 324 and was proud to work for Bacco Construction for many years as a grader operator. It was during this time he helped build many roads or other projects throughout the U.P. He made many friends with fellow coworkers and employers. 

He also worked for the government at K.I.Sawyer Air Force Base in snow removal for many years. Taking pride in what he did made him a wonderful employee. After working 40 plus years and never missing a day of work for sickness or monkey business he decided to retire. After retiring he loved spending time with his family and traveling to see the grandkids, which he had a special bond with. Many nights were spent racing on the Playstation with the grandsons and playing games of all sorts that his wife would come up with, including bowling on the Wii and jumping in the pool first in line at midnight. He enjoyed watching his grandkids participate in basketball, swimming, hockey, and dirt bike racing. He was a proud gramps to all six and their friends. He loved hanging out with his kids and families. 

His hobbies included two different bowling teams for many years and any outdoor activity such as gardening, planting trees his wife hauled home, camping, playing cards with his in-laws, and trying to find time to ride his side by side. 

A lot of honey do projects were completed working together with his wife. He didn’t hesitate to help anyone with anything so he was always busy.

He is survived by his wife Sandra, whom he married on Nov. 10,1973, after a whirlwind romance of much discussion; his children, Melissa (Richard) Aho, Gregory (Lori) Ledgerwood, and Jerod (Amie) Ledgerwood; his grandkids, Taryn and Matthew Aho, Taylor, Marissa, Josie, and Trent Ledgerwood; siblings, Tom (Susie), Dan, Douglas and Tim (Carol), Jean (Jim), Barb Nummilien ,Donna (Dennis) Koontz, Rebecca and Brenda (John) Wery; his brothers-in-law, Brian (Cindy) Nummilien, Bruce (Mari) Nummelin, Brent Nummilien, and Benny (Terry) Nummilien; and sisters-in-law, Sherri Koth and Susie (Marvin) Connors.

He has many wonderful nephews and nieces who have shared his life with him and touched each other in the heart with so much love.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald and Rose Beauchamp, and his brothers-in-law, Brand Nummilien and Paul “Buddy” Koth.

So many have lost a great man of few words who cared so deeply and loved his family; he was so proud of all. Many tears are being shed.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Canale-Gwinn Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com