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George Beckius

George F. Beckius, age 85, a lifelong Ogallala resident, passed away Sunday evening, April 20, 2008 at the Indian Hills Manor Nursing Home.

George was born July 18, 1922 in Ogallala, the son of Philip and Eugenia (Vande Voorde) Beckius.  As a child he lived on a ranch with his parents and two brothers where Lake McConaughy is now.  The family had to sell the property and moved into Ogallala when the lake was constructed.  George worked for Ed Prochasky ( John Deere Tractors) and at the Prairie Theatre during high school.  He graduated from the Ogallala High School in 1940.  He started working for Goodall’s Electric before entering the U.S. Army in 1942 and continued his employment there following his discharge in 1946.  The operation later became TRW where he was employed for forty years before his retirement.

Every spring and fall he helped his brother in law, Dorsey Wendt, move cattle to cow camp in the Colorado Mountains.  George enjoyed flying and he and his brother, Matt, owned an airplane together.   George was a handyman and could fix just about anything.  He built his home south of Ogallala where he resided until entering the nursing home late last year.  His hobbies included playing golf, camping and working with his tools.  George also enjoyed riding his motorcycle and he and his son, Gary, attended the Sturgis bike rally for more than ten straight years together.  He was on the Advisory Board at Milford Technical College.  He had been a member of the Ogallala Elks Lodge and the V.F.W.  He was a member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church.  George married Juanita Arndt on October 16, 1948 in Ogallala.

Survivors include:

His wife,           Juanita of Ogallala

Children,          Gary and Leilani Beckius of Northglenn, CO

                        Mark and Lori Beckius of Ogallala

                        Carl and Gaylene Beckius of Paxton

                        Judy Merrill of Scottsdale, AZ

                        Carla and Kevin Donohue of Maxwell

Eleven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Sister in laws,   Thelma and husband Dorsey Wendt

                        Carole and husband Roger Henning

Five nieces and three newphews

He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Eugenia Beckius; two brothers, Edward and Matt Beckius; four sisters in law, and his in laws, Carl and Twylah Arndt.

Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23^rd at the Gubser Funeral Chapel.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on  Thursday, April 24th  at St. Luke’s Catholic Church with Father Bryan Ernest officiating.  Burial will be in the Ogallala Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Rosary on Wednesday.  Online condolences may be sent to gubserfuneralhome.com.  A memorial has been established to Alzheimer’s research in George’s memory.  Gubser Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.