Ralph Beckmann
Bethalto |
Ralph W. Beckmann, 95, passed away at 11:20 pm Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at his home under the care of BJC Hospice.
He was born February 3, 1919 in Covington, IL, the son of Charles and Louise (Brandt) Beckmann.
He married Clara A. Wollin on January 31, 1940 in St. Louis, Missouri. She preceded him in death.
Ralph was a former resident of Horseshoe Bend, AR for 30 years. He was a farmer in his early life in Southern Illinois and Moro. Then he went to work for Owens Illinois Glass in the mold shop, retiring in 1974. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wood River. He enjoyed the outdoors, spending time with his grandchildren and he always had a pocket full of mints to give to small children.
He is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Pauletta McCollum and Janet and Sonny Waters all of Bethalto; two sons-in-law, Eddie Watsek of Roy, WA and John Jergenson of Collinsville, IL; seven grandchildren; twenty six great grandchildren; seven great, great grandchildren and four step great, great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, three daughters, Patricia Watsek, Virginia Haney-Foreman and Sharon Jergenson, two grandchildren, one great grandchild, a sister, Norma Meyer and three brothers, an infant brother, Elmer Beckmann and Carl Beckmann.
Visitation will be from 1:30 pm to services at 2 pm Friday, December 19, 2014 at Rose Lawn Memory Garden Chapel in Bethalto
Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wood River or the Juvenile Diabetes Association.
Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
