Daniel Beckers

Daniel Robert Beckers, 91, passed away Saturday, April 9, 2016 at Aspen Meadows Nursing home. He was born in the Outlook Montana hospital on March 22, 1925 to Louis and Mary (Wirtz) Beckers. He was born premature weighing just over 2 pounds, but he was a survivor. He grew and thrived on the family farm until he graduated high school and joined the United States Navy in 1944. He served overseas and returned back home to Outlook upon his discharge in 1946. He moved to Bozeman where he was employed by the Montana Power Company as well as being a painter and doing auto body work. It was in Bozeman that he met and married the love of his life, Mary Wittman. They were married on June 7, 1947. They started their life together and were blessed with their first daughter, Linda in 1948. Soon afterwards, Dan and Mary returned to Outlook to farm for 1 year, but they lost everything to locusts. He was called back into service for the Korean War. After his discharge from the Navy again, he returned to Bozeman with his family and worked at the Montana Feed Mills. They were blessed with another daughter, Rita. With the help of their families, they constructed a new home. They grew their family with a son, Ken. Later, the family moved to Billings and Dan started working at the Billings Dairy. He and Mary had 2 more children, Sandy, and Doug. Dan then tried his hand at bartending. He and Mary had their last child, Cindy during this time. In 1967, Dan started working in the construction industry and remained there until 1978 when he was injured in an accident while working on a bridge. He retired to Roberts, Montana where he and Mary built their log cabin. And although he was a man who did not like large gatherings, he enjoyed having family and friends such as Mary and Wayne Mihalyfi over to the cabin. He was also able to have some of his beloved farm animals again, such as chickens and turkeys. Dan was always surrounded by animals, and was most at peace with his loyal dogs. He had a special connection with them and they were as important to him as family. His favorites were Bimbo, Snoopy, Thumper, and Chance. Dan and Mary moved back to Billings, and eventually into Aspen Meadows. He lost his love of 66 years in 2013. Dan rejoices in reuniting with her. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Mary Beckers, brothers Eldon and Laverne, and sister Donna. He was preceded in death by Mary Beckers. Survivors include children; Linda (John) Lahey of Riverton, Wyoming, Rita (Axel) Alstrom of Wasilla, Alaska, Ken (Julie) Beckers of Billings, Sandy (Dean) Krimmer of Meridian, Idaho, Doug (Debbie) Beckers of Port Neches, Texas, Cindy (Fred) Keller of Billings, 15 grandchildren , 21 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Gene (Tillie) of Plentywood, Leonard (Dorothy) of Baker, and sister Marilyn (Gene) Stashick of Sun City, Arizona and various nieces and nephews.