Raymond Beckering

RAYMOND HENRY BECKERING was born to John and Lydia (Sheerhorn) Beckering on January 8, 1924 in Sheldon, Iowa. When he was a year old, he moved with his parents to a farm by Trosky, Minnesota where he attended school. In 1937, he again moved with his parents to a farm near Edgerton, Minnesota. He attended Edgerton High School and graduated from there in 1942. In 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific during World War II. After his honorable discharge from the service in 1946, he returned to Edgerton where he drove truck and worked as a mechanic. On March 22, 1952, he was united in marriage to Marion Petersen at First Presbyterian Church in Edgerton. Following their marriage, they lived and farmed near Hatfield, Minnesota. In 1961, they moved to Jasper, Minnesota and Ray worked as a mechanic for Rohloff International Dealership in Edgerton for 25 years. After his retirement in 1991, they enjoyed spending the winter months in Arizona. On July 4, 2011, Marion preceded him in death. After her death, he continued to reside in Jasper. Around 2013, he moved into Falls Landing in Pipestone, Minnesota and resided there until 2015 when he moved into the Good Samaritan Communities of Pipestone. Ray resided there until his death on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at the age of 93 years, two months, and 14 days.

Ray was a member of the United Methodist Church in Jasper. He was also a member of the Oscar Iverson American Legion Post 133 in Jasper. He and his wife loved to travel, and they traveled throughout the United States, Canada and Hawaii. When he was younger, he enjoyed reading and playing cards. He especially enjoyed his daily coffee at McDonalds.

He is lovingly remembered by his two daughters, Lori (Gary) Cocking of Excelsior, Minnesota, and Debra (Dennis) Winrow of Chanhassen, Minnesota; two grandchildren, Kim (Madeline) Winrow and Alec Smith; and two sisters, Mona Kleinjan of Jasper, and Lois Jean Klumper of Falls Landing in Pipestone. He was preceded in death by his wife; his daughter, Sheree Smith; his brother, Merlyn; and two brothers-in-law, Elmer Kleinjan and Gerrit Klumper.