Frederick R. Beckman

Frederick “Bob” Beckman, 79, of St. Joseph, passed away Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at his home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday at St. Peter’s Church, 623 Church St., St. Joseph with Dr. Randy Doyle officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery with graveside military rites conducted by Coloma American Legion Post #362, VFW Post #1137 of Benton Harbor and VFW Post #6803 of Watervliet. Friends may call from 3-5 & 7-9 P.M. Thursday at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to the Frederick Beckman Fireman Fund, St. Peter’s Church or Hospice at Home. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Mr. Beckman was born March 5, 1926 in St. Joseph to George & Anna (Dunse) Beckman. He attended St. Joseph High School and participated in many sports including football before his graduation in 1945. Upon graduation, Bob joined the US Navy where he served as a firefighter during WWII. On July 19, 1947, he married the former Leatrice Fonger in St. Joseph. Bob was employed at the Herald Palladium as a photo engraver for 43 years before his retirement in 1989. He also served St. Joseph Township on their fire department for the last 48 years. In 1968 Bob became Chief of St. Joseph Township Fire Department, a position he held until his passing. Bob was a member of St. Peter’s Church and was an avid deer hunter. Bob is survived by his wife Leatrice; his son Frederick (Margie) Beckman of Bridgman; two daughters-Tracy Pendergrass of St. Joseph, Becky (Spencer) Johnson of St. Joseph; six grandchildren-Dustin & Jay Pendergrass, Courtney & Jeremy Johnson, Nikki & Tyler Beckman; a great granddaughter Alexis Pendergrass; three sisters-Mable Godush of Bridgman, Gladys Hill of St. Joseph, Florence (Bill) Hill of St. Joseph; and a brother George Beckman of St. Joseph. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Rory Ann Beckman in 1968, three brothers-Louis, Harry, and Martin Beckman; and a sister Margaret Pullins.