Robert L. Beckius

Robert Beckius passed away December 27, 2011 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born in Stapleton, Nebraska, February 25, 1922 to Faye (Heldenbrand) & John L. Beckius. A fine athlete, Robert was outstanding in basketball and football, besides being active in numerous other school activities. Robert attended school at Stapleton and graduated from Baker Rural High School in 1939. He worked as Chieft Clerk of the County Selective Service Office until September of 1942 when he enlisted in the US Navy. Following his boot training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station, he was sent to the University of Madison for four months training in the radio school. In November of 1942 he married Eloise Leech. On September 1, 1943, Robert was shipped to the combat zone. He went in with the first wave in the invasion of Tarawa and was one of the first three men to land on Kwajalein atoll during the attack and subsequent capture of that strategic area. After serving overseas during World War II, he was honorably discharged in 1945. He worked in North Platte for Central Distributing and later the Union Pacific Railroad until 1958 when he and his family moved to Denver, Colorado where he owned a Tenneco Service Station, and later went to work for the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad where he retired. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Eloise; his sons, Robert (Sandy), Richard (Mary) & Timothy (Kathy); his brother, James (Phyllis); 5 grandchildren & 9 great grandchildren. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, April 19, 2012, 10 AM, at Saint Mark Catholic Church, 3141 West 96th Avenue, Westminster. Burial following at Fort Logan National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert's honor to: Wounded Warrior Project 2468 Historic Decatur Road Building 905, Suite 150 San Diego, CA 92106 www.woundedwarriorproject.org Please share your memories of Robert and condolences with his family by selecting the ""Sign Guestbook"" button below.