Vernon Beckman, age 78, of Harris died January 20, 2018 at his home. Memorial service 11 AM Wednesday, January 31st at South Isanti Baptist Church with a visiting time 1 hour prior to the service at the church.
Vernon Dale Beckman was born May 11, 1939 in Dassel, Minnesota to Conrad and Alice (Johnson) Beckman. He grew up in Minneapolis. Vern accepted Christ as Lord as a young teenager, upon confession of faith he was baptized at Elim Baptist Church in NE Minneapolis. He graduated from North High School, Class of 1957. Vern married his junior high school girlfriend, Elaine Flittie in Minneapolis on August 29, 1959. She became his lifelong love and companion and he lists his marriage as one of his best memories. He loved his blessing of three daughters who brought three wonderful men into the family and eventually 15 grandchildren. He had a special relationship with each one of his grandchildren, enjoying their athletic endeavors and musical performances. He was quick with a joke, loved his coffee breaks on the patio with whoever stopped by, and singing and whistling any tune. Vern enjoyed traveling, camping, riding his lawnmower and woodworking and carving. Vern was an active member of South Isanti Baptist Church for many years, serving on many various boards and committees throughout the years, his favorites being AWANA and music worship team.
Vern passed away at his home on January 20, 2018 surrounded and lovingly cared for by his family at the age of 78 years. He is survived by his wife, Elaine; 3 daughters, Debra (Jeff) Edblad, Amy (Russ) Vavra, Jennifer (Lee) Knowlton; 15 grandchildren, Clark (Hannah) Edblad, Peter Edblad, Jillian Edblad, Hayden (Emily) Vavra, Jordan Vavra, Deandra (Ryan) Lundeen, Hunter Vavra, Maria Vavra, Croix Vavra, Conrad Vavra, Jon Knowlton, Max Knowlton and fiancé Megan Berg, Olivia Knowlton, Ted Knowlton and Gus Knowlton; sister, Adeline (Bert) Niece; brother, Jerry Beckman; and by many other relatives and friends.
Dear family of Vern, you have been blessed having this man in your lives. He was such a funny, special, loving man. He will continue to live through all of you. His love shines through in all that you do. The grief will always be there, it will change. Sorrow for us, a celebration for him in his homecoming. No more pain, no more struggling to breath. Love and hugs to you all. Celebrate the legacy he has left in each of you.
Though not mentioned, I believe Vern worked with me in the Engineering Dept at Onan Corporation in Fridley, MN. He was always a friendly person with a quick wit and a helpful demeanor. I always enjoyed my interactions with Vern and his family is undoubtedly proud of him–and rightfully so. Peace to his family and friends–he was a fine man!
To the Beckman & Vavra Family –
I am sorry to hear of Vern’s passing. I am grateful I was able to know him from our adventures on Wednesday nights to Awanas with the girls and car rides home. I will cherish those memories.
Thinking of you all as you celebrate Vern’s remarkable life. With love
I rode to work with Vern in a van pool from Isanti to Onan in Fridley many years. I to will miss his joyfulness and stories he told in the van to and from Onan. When he would drive, the van always got a lot better mileage then when the owner drove.
I’m sorry for the families loss, but know Vern is well off and look forward being with him in the future.