Beecher Daniels

Beecher Daniels, age 93, of Madison, Wis., passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026, at his home at Vista West.

Beecher was born June 7, 1933, in Franklin Furnace, Ohio, the son of Ralph and Plura Daniels. On January 8, 1955, he married Doris (Erb) Daniels at Mount Vernon Zwingli United Church of Christ in Mount Vernon, Wis. Together, Beecher and Doris shared 57 years of marriage, raised their family, and made their home in Verona, Wis.

Beecher lived a full and active life, with service to his country, his community, and his family at its center. From 1952 until his retirement in 1972, he proudly served in the United States Air Force. His first assignment was at Truax Field in Madison, Wis., where he was stationed for seven years.  During this time, he met Doris at a local establishment on State Street. They married in 1955 and welcomed their three children, David, Brenda, and Gregory. His Air Force career later took the family to several other assignments, including two different assignments at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany. Their years in Germany were especially memorable, giving the family the opportunity to visit Doris’ Swiss relatives and travel throughout Europe.

While stationed in Michigan, Beecher and family enjoyed camping and fishing. He volunteered as an adult leader with the Boy Scouts for 16 years and served as an umpire for 14 years.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Beecher began a second career with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, where he worked from 1972 until his retirement in 1992. He and Doris also enjoyed 25 years living on their family farm, where they raised cattle, tended their gardens, and enjoyed the life they built together.

In 1968, while stationed in Michigan, he joined the Masonic Fraternity, beginning what would become a lifelong commitment. He later became active in the Verona Lodge and, in 1995-1996, had the honor of serving as Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin. He was also a member of the York Rite and Scottish Rite, was coronated a 33rd Degree Mason, and served as Worthy Patron of the Verona Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.

In his later years, Beecher shared many happy adventures with his loving companion, Joan Sharp. Together they enjoyed following their favorite local music groups, heading out to hear familiar musicians and enjoying the music and company.

Beecher is survived by his three children, David (Linda) Daniels of Colorado, Brenda (Scott) Schuppe of Wisconsin, and Gregory (Blanca Vincent) Daniels of Washington; seven grandchildren, Joshua, Jenna, Hannah, Nathan, Naomi, Luke, and Jake; eight great-grandchildren; and his companion, Joan Sharp.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Doris; his parents, Ralph and Plura Daniels; his brother, Ballard Daniels; his grandson, Zachary Carl Schuppe; and his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Jerry Schey.

A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON CAMACHO MOUNT HOREB FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 500 N. Eighth St., Mount Horeb, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026, with John Berg presiding. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.

Memorials may be made to The Scottish Rite Valley of Madison (www.scottishritenmj.org/donate) and the Middleton Masonic Lodge No. 180 (www. middletonmasons.org).

Beecher will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his lifetime of service, and his genuine interest in the people and world around him. He loved a good conversation and could strike one up with just about anyone.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The Family would like to thank SSM Hospice, the Vista West Care Team and Bright Star for the exceptional care they provided to Beecher.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb

Funeral & Cremation Care

500 N. Eighth St.

(608) 437-5077