Donald L. Beckstrand

Donald LeRoy Beckstrand was born April 26, 1927. He was the son of Clarence and Viola (Froemming) Beckstrand. He grew up in Cosmos. He went to school in Cosmos until 8th grade. He served in the United States Army, trained at Fort Hood, Texas. He spent time overseas in Germany with the 15th Infantry and served on the 22nd Construction squad as a Tank Commander. He was discharged at the rank of sergeant. He married Beverly (Geier) on Sept. 30, 1949. They moved to Litchfield and had five children. Don worked as a carpenter in Minneapolis retiring on January 1, 1989. Beverly passed away on August 27, 1996. He married Ellen Smith on April 28, 2007. He was a member of First Lutheran Church, lifetime member of Litchfield VFW. He drove the Veteran's Van transporting patients to the area VA hospitals/clinics. He enjoyed his fellowship with the other drivers. He also was Meeker County Senior Citizen of the Year. Don is survived by his wife Ellen, four children Connie Dresser, Nickie (Greg) Jans, DonLee (Peg) Beckstrand, Pennie Beckstrand, 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, 3 step children, 7 step grandchildren and four step great grandchildren. Don was preceded in death by his parents, wife Beverly, grandson Marc in 1973, son Jon in 2001, grandson Jon James in 2011. Funeral Service will be held at First Lutheran Church at 10:30 on Thursday Feb 13, 2014. There will be a one hour visitation prior to the service at church. Military honors will be provided by the Litchfield Honor Guard. Cremation service was provided by Johnson Hagglund Funeral Home. There will be a private family burial in the spring at Lake Ripley Cemetery.Previous Events Visitation Thursday, February 13, 2014 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM First Lutheran Church 703 South Sibley Avenue Litchfield, MN 55355 Visitation Thursday, February 13, 2014 10:30 AM First Lutheran Church 703 South Sibley Avenue Litchfield, MN 55355