Vernal H. Beckstrom, 95, of Erie, IL, died Tuesday, January 19, 2016, at the Tidewell Hospice House in Venice, FL.
Vernal was born February 24, 1920, in Polk County, NE, the son of Andrew and Maggie Beckstrom. He joined the U. S. Army during WWII and was a recipient of the Purple Heart Commendation. Following his discharge in 1945, Vernal married Doris Wisely on July 5, 1947, in Clarks, NE. The couple made their home in Erie and raised their four children. Vernal did custom butchering for several years. He was a custodian for the Erie School District, from which he retired in 1986.
He was a member of Erie United Methodist Church, a 60-year member of the Denton Shriner Legion Post 582 and of the Lake Erie Country Club. His interests included being a die-hard Cubs fan, gardening, riding his bike, going to high school sporting events, grandchildren events, and having coffee at Todd’s Barbershop and Pink Pony with friends.
He is survived by his children and their spouses, Dianne Daubard, Venice, Larry (Michele) Beckstrom, Wyoming, IL, Richard (Debra) Beckstrom, Morrison, IL, and Gary Beckstrom, Erie; grandchildren, Derrin Beckstrom, Lesley (Casey) Collins, Katherine (Zac) Deets, Bryce (Stephanie) Beckstrom and Amanda (Jason) Hook; step-grandchildren; Tisha (Todd) Wilson and Meegan (Alex) Bostick; five great-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren; brother, Gordon Beckstrom, Cupertino, CA; sister, Donna Sweesy, Tucson, AZ.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Doris; son-in-law Jim Daubard; brother Lee Beckstrom; sisters Gladys Kluck and Doris Niemann.
Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, January 28, 2016, at Gibson-Bode Funeral Home, Erie, IL.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, January 29, 2016, at the Erie United Methodist Church, Erie, IL.
Burial will be in the Erie Cemetery, Erie, IL.
Memorials may be made to Erie United Methodist Church or Erie Fire Department/Ambulance Service.
Share a memory or condolence at www.gibsonbodefh.com.