Leroy Beckmark

LeRoy A. Beckmark, age 92, a resident of Siren died July 26, 2008 at Indianhead Medical Center. LeRoy was born on November 10, 1915 in Atlas, Wisconsin to Arthur and Lily Beckmark. In later years, they moved to West Sweden where LeRoy finished grade school, graduating from Frederic High School. He then took a Butter Maker course at the University of Minnesota and became a butter maker. He served at three creameries, West Sweden, Siren and Benoit. Due to health problems he left the butter making and went into plumbing with Rex Johnson Plumbing & Heating. He then became the head custodian for the Siren School District until he retired. On June 26, 1943, LeRoy married Violet Blom and they were the first couple to be married at the old Bethany Lutheran Church. LeRoy and Violet opened their home to Red Anderson who lived with them while LeRoy worked at the creamery. The later had Ruth and Charlotte Dennis live with them until they graduated from high school. LeRoy and Violet then adopted three daughters Meraye, JeRay, and Shannon. LeRoy was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church and served on the church council many times. He also was a member of the Siren Ag Club, Masonic Lodge, and the Siren Fire Dept. He was also part of the first Burnett County Ambulance crew. He was an avid sportsman, loving bow hunting and rifle hunting until he was in his 90's. LeRoy was preceded in death by Ruth Dennis, Merage, JeRay and Shannon, his parents, two brothers, four sisters, two nieces, and one nephew. LeRoy is survived by his wife of 65 years, Violet, grandson Benjamin, Greg Carlson, Charlotte (Don) Jensen, Eric (Debbie) and Paul Nystrom, Eldora Brown and family, Elrose Beckmark, many nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at Bethany Lutheran Church with Pastor John Clasen, Pastor Diane Blahauvietz and Pastor Kenneth Lahners officiating. Music was provided by the Bethany Bell Choir, Harmonic Balance, Galen Brown and Fran McBroom. Interment followed at Lewis Cemetery. LeRoy's nephews were the casketbearers Bennie Johnson, Bill Jensen, Arthur Beckmark, Merideth Beckmark, Craig Johnson and Chris Johnson. Honorary casketbearers were Arlyn Brown, John Maslek, Jerry Nelson, Clifford Potter, Galen Brown, Dave Kopecky, Red Anderson, Eric Nystrom, Paul Nystrom and the Siren Fire Department. Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, Wisconsin.