Date of Death: December 20, 2025
Service Details
His family will receive friends Monday, December 29, 2025 beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 p.m. with Christy Friedel officiating.
Obituary Notice
Norman Von Beckwith, 81, of Three Rivers, passed away Saturday, December 20, 2025 at home on Hospice Centrica for six days before passing away.
He was born October 31, 1944 in Elkhart, Ind., the son of George and Norma (Adams) Beckwith, and graduated from Three Rivers High School with the Class of 1962.
Continuing his educational pursuits, Norm received a BBA and an MBA, both from Western Michigan University.
On August 6, 1966, he married Ellen “Sue” Bischoff. They enjoyed camping up until October 2020; they were also able to go on three Caribbean cruises after retirement in 2014. They were married for 59 years.
Norm worked for Armstrong Corporation both in Three Rivers, Florida, and Georgia, then at Johnson Corporation from 2000 until his retirement in 2013.
He enjoyed golfing and cutting firewood with his buddy Rick Green, plastic model construction, HO Railroad, reading, spending time with family, and going on ice cream rides.
Active in the community, Norm was a member of the Jaycees, and along with Doug Griffin Sr., started the Three Rivers Rocket Football program.
Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Sue Beckwith; sons, Mark (Lorri) Beckwith and Jeff (Jenny) Beckwith; grandchildren, Austin Beckwith, Paige Beckwith, Garrett Beckwith, Riley Beckwith (Trey Armstrong), Brittany White (Michael Rozner), Taylor (Colten) Hinson; great-grandchildren, Blakely Louise Rozner and Haygen Lee Hinson; brother-in-law, Richard (Sandy) Bischoff; nephews, Brian (Heather) Bischoff and Tony (Kim) Bischoff and their families; and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles.
Additional Information
Donations in Norm’s memory may be directed to St. Joseph County Animal Control. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Please Leave Your Condolences
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Sue — I was so sorry to see that Norm passed away recently. He was the first person I worked with when I started working in the Sales Department at Armstrong in 1970. He was a nice guy and I always liked working with him. My husband, Mark, knew Norm from working at the Johnson Corporation. We enjoyed seeing both of you at Dad’s Place and chatting with you when we were in there for breakfast or lunch. Just wanted to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Take care.
I am so very sorry for your loss. It has been a nunber of years since we had dinner together at a fish fry. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting and spending time with Mr. & Mrs. Beckwith and the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. (Lorri’s stepsister)
Sue, I worked with Norm at Greater Kalamazoo Auto Auction. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Norm was a kind friend. He will be missed.
Sue, Mark, Jeff and families, I am so sorry for your loss. Norm was quite a guy. I hope you find comfort and peace during this time.