William Charles "Rusty" Beckenhauer III, 82, of Traverse City, MI, passed away on January 19, 2025 in the arms of his beloved wife of almost 50 years, Patricia Janet (Tauber) Beckenhauer.

Rusty was born on February 2, 1943 to William Charles and H. Madeleine "Billie" (Leslie) Beckenhauer in Detroit, Michigan. After graduating from Grosse Pointe High School in 1961, he attended Albion College and graduated from Wayne State University.

Rusty was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He is survived by his wife, Tricia; his children, Kristin (Michael) Mallegg, Stefanie (Peter) Brown, Tracy (Thomas) Smith, and Lauren (Christopher) Jeffries; his grandchildren, Alexander Brown, Connor Mallegg, Matthew Brown, Maggie Brown, Cameron Mallegg, Macey Smith, Harrison Jeffries, Beck Smith, Grady Jeffries, and Wiley Jeffries; his sisters, Leslie (Thomas) Tranter and Lisa (Julian) Hoerder.

Local Friends and neighbors are encouraged to raise a glass next Sunday Feb 2, on his birthday at the Grand Traverse Yacht Club from 3-6 pm.

There will be a service and celebration of life in a few months in Grosse Pointe for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers donations to Step Up Northern Michigan. Stepupnm.com