Eugene Beckius

Eugene J. Beckius, age 67, of North Mankato, died at his home on Sunday, January 10, 2010. Eugene Joseph Beckius was born in St. James on November 5, 1942, the son of Martin and Clarabelle (Olson) Beckius. Gene grew up in the St. James area where he attended St. James High School. He served in the US Navy from 1959 until 1963. Gene spent most of his working career in sales, farm equipment and automobiles. He spent the past ten years in semi-retirement driving school bus in St. James and later in Mankato. Gene was a member of the American Legion and VFW. He loved history both civil war history and his own family history. He had traced his family history back to Europe. Gene also enjoyed the outdoors he fished, did bird watching, like lawn work and tending his garden. Eugene is survived by his children and their spouses Tammy (Art) Winker of Glidden, IA, Michael (Ann Swartz-Beckius) Beckius of Mankato, Michele (Josh) Nelson of St. Joseph, MN, Lisa (Jay) Irwin of Fairmont, 9 grandchildren, brother James (Linda) Beckius of White Bear Lake, sisters Patricia (Don) Schuur of Bingham Lake, Rosemary Schroen of St. James, Arlene (Tim) Brown of St. James and Barbara (Larry) Rasmussen of Mt. Lake. He was preceded in death by his parents.