Kenneth Beighley
July 16, 1930 - September 08, 2024
Obituary
Kenneth E. Beighley, 94, of Platteville, WI died Sunday, September 8, 2024. He was born on July 16, 1930, the son of John and Eva Mae (Bennett) Beighley. Ken was a graduate of Richland Center High School in 1948. He was president of his class in both his junior and senior years and was a member of the boxing team. Ken served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1954. He was stationed in Alaska where he was a medic, trained in artic survival, and was later stationed in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. On July 29, 1952, Ken was united in marriage to Shirley June Clough in Dubuque, IA. Shirley predeceased him on June 29, 2018. Ken graduated from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse in 1956. He furthered his education by receiving his Master's from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1958 and his Doctorate from Michigan State in 1963. Ken was a middle school math teacher and freshman basketball coach at Western Michigan University High School and professor of Education at Knox College before joining the faculty of University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 1964. He retired from UW-Platteville in 1985.
Ken played men's fastpitch for over 30 years, was a fastpitch coach at UW-Platteville for four years and thoroughly enjoyed working with area high school pitchers for many years. He was an avid bowler, participating in many leagues and tournaments and enjoyed a variety of sports, both as a participant and spectator. Ken's faith in Jesus Christ was the guiding force in his life and he continually sought opportunities to share his faith and love for Jesus with others. He and Shirley were proud to be part of the group of founding members of the Community Evangelical Free Church in Platteville, where Ken served in many roles. Ken was a beloved father, grandfather and great grandpa.
Ken was survived by his son, Bradley Beighley and daughter, Rebecca (David) Heim, son-in-law, Philip Anderson, grandchildren, Johnathan Ryan (Tina) Beighley and Noah Heim, great grandchildren, Aura and Arin Beighley , sisters, Anita Alexander and Karen (Dwight) Martin and sisters-in-law Ferne Osborn and Nona Williams.
Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, daughter, Valerie Anderson, parents, brother and sister-in-law, Archie (Ruth) Beighley and brothers-in-law Ken Alexander, Clyde Osborn and Don Williams.
Funeral services will be held at Noon, Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at the Community Evangelical Free Church in Platteville, WI. The visitation will be Tuesday morning from 9:30 AM until the time of service at the church. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Platteville, where military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post #42 and VFW Post #5274. Melby Funeral Home & Crematory of Platteville is serving the family. Online condolence may be expressed at www.melbyfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Samaritan's Purse at www.samaritanspurse.org or Community Evangelical Free Church, Platteville, WI.
The family wishes to extend special thank you's to Park Place, Medical Associates, Edenbrook, St. Croix Hospice and Dr. Jeffrey White.