Gary D. Beams, "Mookie" age 60, passed away on Monday, April 17, 2023 after a battle with cancer. Gary was born in Green Bay on February 3, 1963, the son of the late Byron and Sheila (McDonnell) Beams. On May 7, 2016 he married Cheryl Margenau in Mosinee, WI. Whatever he set his mind to, he did amazingly well and Gary was passionate about 3 things: music, football, and food. Gary played bass and was part of the Green Bay Symphony Orchestra as a teenager and went to the renowned Eastman School of Music for summer studies. Gary attended the University of North Texas, where he played football while studying Music Education and playing in a rock-and-roll band, Rallock. Their album, Check Your Package, was released in 1984 and has been recently re-popularized in Europe thanks to the internet. Gary was an avid football fan and enjoyed spending Saturdays with Cheryl watching his father's alma mater, Notre Dame, beat Navy (GO IRISH!). He also loved the Packers and rooting for anyone playing against the Vikings. Gary worked as a chef and one of his proudest moments was serving Carol Burnett and having the opportunity to sit talking with her while she ate. Gary went to Fort Lewis College on a double-dog dare and earned a degree in Finance while skiing at every opportunity. Gary loved smoking meats and cooking for Cheryl the most. He floated around the kitchen, which was his happy place. Gary will be remembered for being smart, gregarious, goofy, tenacious, funny, and caring, and for his love of disc golf.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl; step-daughter, Ashley (Sean) Kok, their daughter, Kinsley; brothers: Byron (Penny) Beams, Jr. and their sons Justin and Daniel; Raymond Beams and his sons Dylan and Denton; best friend, Mark (Sue) Bowlin, their son Alex; cousins who loved him dearly; and his disc golf family. He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved sister, Mary Celesete Beams, who he called "Pixie".

It was Gary's wish to be cremated with a celebration of life to be held at his favorite disc golf course in Mosinee at later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society or your local school's music program in Gary's honor.

The family extends a special thank you to the SSM Health Cancer Care, and to SSM Health at Home-Hospice for their compassion and wonderful care.