David Beckmann

David Beckmann was born March 5, 1950, to Ray and Florence (Mensing) Beckmann in Breese, Illinois. He passed away on Tuesday, 2/22/22 from complications related to COVID.

He met his wife of 45 years, Betty Unruh, on June 8, 1969, while visiting Mammoth Caves, KY. They wed on August 8, 1970.

He started helping his dad deliver feed for MoorMan's at a young age, learning all the roads and miles that would be vital to his career later on.

In 1974, he began working for Coulter Corporation, installing and repairing lab equipment in hospitals, clinics, and even at Anheuser Bush. In 1997, the company was sold and became Beckman Coulter. (He always did enjoy calling the home office and saying "This is Dave Beckmann" and then hearing the silence on the other end.) Over his 39 year career, he logged over two million miles in his region of Southern Illinois, Southeast Missouri, Western Kentucky, and Southwest Indiana. His reputation as a Bio-Medical Engineer was exemplary, with many of his clients insisting only he was allowed to work on their equipment.

His passion for model railroading began at a young age and lasted his entire life. He would build model kits for relaxation and loved to watch his "choo-choos" run on the tracks.

David is survived by his children, Sheila (Nick) Peterson, Stacie Beckmann, Sonia Beckmann, and Robert Beckmann; one granddaughter, Trinity; mother-in-law, Leola Unruh; brothers-in-law, Thomas Athmer, Gary Unruh, Steven Unruh; sisters-in-law, Janice Unruh and Diane Clack; and many neices and nephews

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his parents, Ray and Florence;  his sister, Judith Athmer; and father-in-law, LeRoy Unruh.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 26, 2022, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Carterville, with Fr. Mark Reyling officiating. Burial will be held at a later date. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., Saturday, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville.

GRAVESIDE SERVICES WILL BE HELD AT 11:00 A.M., MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2022, AT SAN CARLO CEMETERY IN HERRIN, WITH FR. MARK REYLING OFFICIATING. 

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois.

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