Robert P. Beckman, 88, of Burlington, passed away Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at the Great River Hospice in West Burlington.
Robert was born on August 20, 1926 at St. Francis Hospital in Burlington, Iowa, the son of Cletus and Margaret Ruff Beckman. He was united in marriage to Betty Linquist on August 21, 1948, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Burlington, Iowa.
He graduated from Sperry High School and briefly attended the University of Iowa and joined the United States Army, serving as staff sergeant on the Philippine Island of Leyte during World War II.
From 1948 to 1983 (35) years) Robert was employed at Lehigh Leopold Company in Burlington and served as Director of Manufacturing and was granted a patent for one of his designs.
He was a member of SS. Mary & Patrick Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, while serving several years as a Black Knight. He cherished the occasion of meeting Pope John Paul II at the Vatican in Rome. Robert enjoyed golfing, bird hunting, woodworking, and being with family.
Robert had a strong work ethic and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother. He was a good friend to many and will be greatly missed.
The family would like to extend their appreciation for the prayers, love, care and concern given by so many over these past several months.
Survivors include his wife, Betty; one daughter Roxanne (Hub) Ulrich, Wellington, Colorado. Eight sons, Greg (Karen) Beckman, of Chicago, Illinois, Randy (Mary) Beckman, of Iowa City, Kirk A (Gertrude) Beckman, Burlington, Iowa, Kevin (Vicki) Beckman, Burlington, Iowa, Rev. Gary L. Beckman, Iowa City, Iowa, Jeff (Maryann) Beckman, Algonqin, Illinois, Brian (Sarah) Beckman, Iowa City, Iowa, Brad (Angie) Beckman, Plainfield, Illinois. Twenty grandchildren. Thirteen great grandchildren. Three sisters: Eileen Prier of Burlington, Iowa, Betty McLaughlin of Mediapolis, Iowa, Mary Lou Peterson of Burlington, Iowa. Three brothers, Mark (Eloise) Beckman of Burlington, Iowa, Donald (Mary Lee) Beckman of Burlington, Iowa, Clifford (Diane) Beckman of Dodgeville, Iowa. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and infant son.
A Funeral Mass will be held at SS Mary & Patrick Catholic Church, Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Fr. David Steinle, Fr. Gary Beckman and Fr. Mike Phillips will concelebrate. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. On Friday, August 14, a Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the church in West Burlington. The family will receive friends at the church from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. with a rosary to be held at 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Vincent DePaul Society or SS. Mary and Patrick Church.
