- Date Of Birth: August 3, 1939
- Date Of Death: January 4, 2013
- State: Minnesota
Charles “Chuck” Beckman came to the north woods of Minnesota in 1965, after teaching for two years in Clear Lake Iowa, to pursue a career in education that would span several generations. Over the last half of a century he touched the lives of many as a teacher, coach and friend.
Chuck taught English and composition at Walker-Hackensack-Akeley High School. Early on in his career he found that he had a passion for speech and debate and he became known around the state for the winning program that produced countless state champions. In 1997 he retired after 34 years of teaching.
Getting involved with the community was a natural for him and over the years, he became a familiar part of the Walker landscape. Many will remember him for his fashion sense that often included a polka dot welding hat and overalls. Others will remember him for his work with the Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame, North Star Sportsman, Jaycees and Civil Air Patrol. He was a member of the American Legion and VFW.
There was always a little bit of an agrarian in Chuck. A member of the FFA in high school and later a member of The Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Association, he was intrigued with farming. He transformed his home near Walker into a hobby farm. After retirement, he built himself an award winning workshop, recognized by The Family Handyman magazine, where he spent his free time creating, repairing and working on projects.
Chuck grew up in Hopkins, Minnesota, the son of Hester (Albertson) Beckman and Stuart Beckman. At the age of 11 he met the love of his life LaVonne Viska but did not come to realize it for several more years. They were high school sweethearts and were married on May 1, 1964. He was an Eagle Scout, served in the U.S. Navy and graduated from Mankato State University and the University of Colorado, Greeley.
He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. His family meant the world to him.
Chuck passed away at the age of 73 surrounded by his family on January 4, 2013.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Carol Harper of Chicago. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, LaVonne, three children; Charles (Karen) Beckman of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Kristin (Scot) Storm of Freeport, Minnesota and Kurt Beckman of Minneapolis, Minnesota and four grandchildren Justin and Erik Beckman and Summer and Logan Storm. A sister, Lynn Davis of Yadkinville, North Carolina and his faithful shop dog, Gus.
