"Sheila and boys, Todays obit in the Northwest Herald broke my heart. I just kept saying no, no, no, there has to be another Matt Beckman, but no. I was very fond of Matt. He was my hero. The guy when growing up I wanted to be, but life sent me on another trek. He was a class act, gentle giant, and all around great guy. I was sad when you left Crystal Lake but happy for your new adventure. So Captain Beckman, punch through those clouds, keep it straight and level at that new higher flight level, and godspeed. Sympathies to all the Beckman's. Haig"
In loving memory of
Matt Beckman
February 8, 1946 - May 20, 2018
SIGOURNEY-Matthew Phillip (Matt) Beckman was born in Sperry Iowa on February 8th, 1946 to Martin and Hazel Beckman. He died unexpectedly on May 20th, 2018 at age 72.
Matt graduated from Notre Dame High School in Burlington Iowa and later obtained a Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of Iowa. He joined the United States Navy September 3, 1968 at the Glenview Naval Air Station. He spent 22 years as a pilot flying S-2's, A-3's and A-4's with ten of those years flying off aircraft carriers. In 1988, he retired as a Commander and Vietnam Veteran. After Matt's career in the Navy, he then spent 25 years as a corporate pilot for Motorola retiring in 2016.
While stationed at NAS North Island, San Diego, Matt met his wife of 46 years, Sheila Hammes. They married on October 9th, 1971 in What Cheer, Iowa. Matt was a proud and loving father of his three sons and three grandsons. Matt's passion in life was his flying. His career often kept him away from home, but afforded him many wonderful travels and plenty of time for his history reading. Once retired, he was able to concentrate on other interests--bicycling, traveling, and horseback riding. His new passion then became his three grandsons. He told his wife to tell everyone to vote Democratic in November so the environment will be saved for his grandsons....
A great man will be missed by many!
Matt is survived by his wife, Sheila; three sons Andrew, Alex (Megan), and Nathan (Dorsey) Beckman; three grandchildren Dawson, Bennett and Knox Beckman, all living in Denver. Also surviving are his three sisters Joan (Ray) Flores, Patricia (Fred) Smith, and Judith (Lyle) Grondin; and his two brothers John (Bonnie) Beckman and Paul (Lin) Beckman. In-laws include Jeanette Hammes, Dan (Sue) Hammes, Cindy (Steve) Hauschilt, Ted (Terri) Hammes, Scott (Deb) Hammes, Lynn (Christine) Hammes, and Todd (Valerie) Hammes. He was proceeded in death by his parents Martin and Hazel, brother Bernard, and father-in-law Floyd Hammes.
Funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Sigourney, with Rev. Charles Fladung officiating. Burial will be at a later date at the Iowa Veteran's Cemetery near Van Meter. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29, 2018, at the church, where there will be a wake service at 4:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Paralyzed Veterans of America or Vietnam Veterans of America. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Sigourney is caring for Matt and his family. Tributes may be made at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
Tributes
"Didn't get to spend near enough time with Matt but the time spent was a joy. Always a gentleman but with the gleam in his eye that let you know under the right circumstances he could be scoundrel. Got to ride RAGBRAI once with him and as we were riding he said something to the effect of "lets hit it" We both were doing our best and passing group after group. We were feeling like we were really something until we heard someone say on your left. It was a small group riding with Lance Armstrong. They blew by us like we were standing still. That put us in our place and we settled back in with the common folk for the last couple miles before it was beer thirty. Will miss you buddy."
"Shelia and Family, so sorry to hear of Matt? s passing.He was a great pilot and an American Hero. I truly enjoyed our flights together with Motorola and a beer or two afterwards. As retired military I think we had a special bond and Matt would comfortably talk freely about Shelia and the boys. I regret we didn?t have time for one final toast together and wish him clear skies and smooth sailing. Paul Quirk "
"We were so sorry to hear of Matt's sudden passing. Although we didn't see you folks much we always enjoyed our conversations when together. Unfortunately we were unable to attend Shelia, but want you, your Mom, and your family to know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. John ansd Annette Stemmler"
"I?m saddened to hear of the passing of Matt. He always had a smile. Soft spoken and upbeat. Met him as a customer who quickly became a friend. Fly with the angels Mr. Beckmann. "
"I?m saddened to hear of the passing of Matt. He always had a smile. Soft spoken and upbeat. Met him as a customer who quickly became a friend. Fly with the angels Mr. Beckmann. "
"I was shocked to hear of Matt's passing. I worked with Matt for nearly 15 years at Motorola, we flew all over the world together, a true gentleman and an excellent pilot, he will be deeply missed. My most sincere condolences to Sheila and the family."
"Matt is a Success...as he has lived well, laughed often and loved much; has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; has filled his niche and accomplished his task; and leaves the world better than He found it; and looked for the best in others, and gave the best he had. God Bless the Beckman family. Duke Grondin"
"We are so stunned and saddened for your family. We will be thinking of you during this difficult time. - Tony & Yvonne Pitsch/Sigourney Body Shop"
"Oh Matthew - what a wonderful brother - you'll be so missed. My love to Sheila and the boys. He was blessed to have such a great family. God Bless - Judy"