Irvin Beckler

Irvin E. Beckler, age 88, of Gettysburg, passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at Parkview Care Center, Bryant, SD.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, January 20, 2014 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Gettysburg with Fr. Jerry Kopel officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Visitation was held from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, January 19, 2014, at the church with a 7:00 p.m., scripture wake service. 

Irvin was born December 5, 1925 to parents Clayton and Maude (Cartwright) Beckler at Bonilla, SD.  They moved to the “Beckler” farm near Seneca, SD when Irvin was 2 months old.

Most of Irvin’s life was spent farming and ranching.  He proudly served in the US Army during WW II from 1945-1947.  After the war Irvin returned home.  There he met his wife, Eva Keller.  They were married February 7, 1950 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Seneca, SD.  They made their home on the Beckler family farm.  To this union seven children were born. 

Family and friends were most important to Irvin.  His grandchildren and great grandchildren brought him great joy.  He also loved fishing, hunting, gardening, playing cards and helping to complete the many quilts he and Eva made.  He was a devout Catholic and a member of the American Legion.

Irvin is survived by the seven children:  Ron (Debbie Dirksen) of Aberdeen, SD; Kathy (Ed) Palmer of Pine City, MN; Debra (Doug) Wendling of Bryant, SD; Don (Tracey Ogle) of Harrold, SD; Dan Beckler of Gettysburg, SD; Rhonda (Jim) Berger, Rapid City, SD; and Donna (Chris) Mehrer of Rozet, WY; 24 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; one sister, June Kilian of Gettysburg, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Eva; brothers: Keith and Kenneth; and sister Viola Beckler.