Dennis Charles Beckman

Dennis Charles “Denny” Beckman, 73, a lifelong resident of Three Oaks, passed away from complications while at the University of Kentucky Hospital, Lexington Tuesday, May 2, 2023.

His life began March 22, 1950 in St. Joseph, Michigan, the youngest of three children, born to William “Bill” and Martha Ackerman. He married Katherine Sue Krieger September 22, 1979 in Trinity Lutheran Church of Sawyer.

Denny was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.  He adored his daughter and cherished his grandchildren, who were his life. Denny was proud to be a veteran who served honorably in the United States Army 82nd Airborne from 1969 to 1972.  He was at the Three Oaks American Legion Post 204 – of which he was a member for thirty-four years - everyday at 4:00 p.m.  His wife and daughter tease that his other “families” were Three Oaks Volunteer Fire Department for twenty-two years, and Trinity Lutheran Church of Sawyer where he served as head Trustee for many, many years. Denny enjoyed being outdoors, whether hunting, fishing, gardening or tending to his fruit trees.  He would “shoot the breeze” with friends (or anybody).  He was a huge U of M fan, loved March Madness, and the Stanley Cup finals.  Denny enjoyed road trips with his wife and watching live theater.  Denny and Kathi loved being snowbirds, traveling to Barefoot Bay in Florida. 

Denny will be greatly missed by family and friends.  He is survived by his wife of forty-three years, Kathi Beckman of Three Oaks; daughter, Amanda (Aaron Bright) Beckman of St. Joseph; three grandchildren, Nolan, Caleb, Olivia; sister, Patti (Gene) Callahan of Sawyer; brother, Vernon (Melba) Beckman of Edwardsburg; mother-in-law, Jeannine Krieger of New Troy; sisters-in-law, Tammie (Jeff) Schmidt of Three Oaks, Sherri Hausmann of Three Oaks; brother-in-law, Tim (Ruth) Krieger of Berrien Springs; and a slew of nieces and nephews whom he thought the world of, as well.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law, Norman Krieger; and three brothers-in-law, Skip Krieger, Tom Hausmann, Kim Krieger.

Family and friends will gather Wednesday, May 17, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, 106 Ash Street East, Three Oaks. A funeral service will be held Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with an hour of visitation prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church of Sawyer, 5791 Sawyer Road, Sawyer, Michigan, with the Reverend Brandon Wittig officiating.

Mr. Beckman will be laid to rest in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Three Oaks, where he will be accorded full Military Honors.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Denny be made to Trinity Lutheran Church of Sawyer, 5791 Sawyer Road, Sawyer, Michigan 49125.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dennis Charles Beckman, please visit our floral store.