It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of two amazing Rotarians, Alan W. Selene from Rotary Club of Madison South and Bill Beckley from Beloit Rotary Club.
Please read on for more details on Alan's Celebration of Life and information on both gentlemen's dedication to Rotary.
Alan W. Selene
Lifelong community servant, and dear friend, Alan W. Selene passed away peacefully on June 25, in McFarland, Wisconsin, at the age of 76, following a brief illness related to long-term health challenges.
Alan’s life was a true testament to the ideals of "Service Above Self." His extensive Rotary journey began in his home state of Iowa, where he served as Past President of the Rotary Club of Hampton and later as District Governor for District 5970 (2000-2001). In 2001, Alan relocated to Wisconsin after marrying his wife, Mary Beth Growney Selene. Together, they formed an incredible partnership rooted in community service, with Mary Beth also sharing a profound commitment to the organization as a past District Governor for District 6250 and club president of the Middleton-Madison West Club. Alan became a proud member and Past President of the Rotary Club of Madison South, remaining a vibrant, guiding presence at the local, district, and zone levels.
The foundation for Alan’s extraordinary commitment to community was poured early. Earning his Eagle Scout in Troop 57 and serving as a member of the Order of the Arrow, he developed a passion for leadership and youth mentorship that would define his life's work. Whether he was serving as a Licensed Foster Parent, managing the Hampton Bambino Cardinals, or serving on the Franklin County Hospital board and the Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce, Alan consistently stepped up to make his community stronger.
Professionally, Alan was highly respected in his field. A 1972 graduate of Drake University with a BA in Religion, he spent many years in the insurance industry, co-establishing partnerships and ultimately serving as state President of the Professional Insurance Agents of Iowa (1993-1994) while holding the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation. He concluded his successful career as the Corporate Administrator of Ryan Signs, Inc. in Madison, retiring in 2024.
Beyond his many titles and achievements, Alan will be remembered for his steadfast dedication to his family. He is survived by his wife, Mary Beth; daughters Jessica Selene and Wendy Selene; step-daughter Bridget (Sean) Hart; grandchildren Austin and Olivia Mulford, and step-grandson Dexter Hart; two great-grandsons; the Ryan family brothers, sister, and in-laws; and a wide network of nieces, nephews, and cherished friends worldwide. He was preceded in death by his parents, Werner and Lois; his sister Dianna May and brother-in-law Stephen May; and his mother-in-law, Rita Ryan.
Celebration of Life Details
We invite all who knew Alan to join in celebrating a life exceptionally well-lived.
- Date: Saturday, July 25
- Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Location: Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd, Madison, WI 53705
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be directed to organizations close to Alan's heart:
- The Rotary Club of Madison South Foundation
- The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International
To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in Alan's memory, please visit the Cress Funeral Home flower store or contact them at 608-238-3434.
Bill Beckley, a devoted Rotarian and a true pillar of the Beloit Rotary Club, joined our Rotary family on March 7, 2006, Bill dedicated two decades to the ideals of fellowship and community impact, leaving an indelible mark on their club and our district.
A natural servant leader, Bill never hesitated to step up when called upon. They guided the Beloit Rotary Club as Club President during the 2016–2017 Rotary year, steering the membership with vision and dedication. His leadership extended well beyond the local level, serving our district as Assistant District Governor from 2019 through 2021. Even recently, he continued to help our Rotary family thrive as the Club Membership Chair, always ready to welcome new faces with open arms and a warm spirit.
Bill’s passion for empowering the next generation and protecting our environment was truly inspiring. As the Club RYLA Coordinator, he was instrumental in developing young leaders in the community, providing them with life-changing opportunities to grow and serve. Furthermore, his tireless work as the Coordinator of the yearly Community Earth Day Event showcased a hands-on commitment to ecological sustainability and local action.
It was this unwavering, decades-long dedication that rightfully earned Bill the prestigious Club Service Above Self Award in 2025.
Bill lived and breathed the "Unite for Good" spirit every single day. His absence leaves a significant void in the Beloit Rotary Club and throughout his entire Rotary network. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and fellow club members during this difficult time.
Let us honor Bill’s memory by continuing the incredible, selfless work he championed for the last 20 years.