Larry Beckman

Larry Beckman, 70 of Idalia passed way Saturday. He was born to the late Wilfred and Annabeth Beckman November 26, 1942, in Wray, Colorado. Larry graduated from Liberty High School in Joes, Colorado in 1960. He married Carolyn (Janie) Gurss on December 23, 1961.

Larry went to work right out of high school in Nucla, Colorado in the uranium mines. He returned later that year to the family farm and dairy north of Joes, Colorado to help his father while building the Idalia Co-op. He went on to manage the Idalia Co-op until 1965 when he went to work for Chet Whomble and moved the family southwest of Beecher Island. In 1971, he moved the family 12 miles southeast of Wray where he partnered with Harold Bowman on a farm and feed yard. In 1978, Larry moved the family 7 miles southwest of Idalia where he purchased a farm. In 1986, Larry purchased the neighboring property and moved the family a 1/2 mile up the road where he lived until earlier this month before moving into Wray.

Larry was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He loved farming and sports. He rarely missed a game for his kids or grandkids. He was a perfectionist as could be seen in his farming and yard. He also loved people. Larry never knew a stranger as he was always willing to strike up a conversation. He also enjoyed playing cards, waterskiing, and hanging out at the lake with his family. He also enjoyed giving local referees an earful.

Larry is survived by his soul mate of 51 years, Janie; son, Rich and wife, Sarah of Wray and grandkids, Jake, Cole, Beau and Paige Beckman; daughter, Angie and husband, Chris of Parker and grandkids, Chelsea Toledo and Chazz and Chantz Walpole; son, Rob and wife, Marcy of Atwood and grandkids, Tyler, Kristen, and Brady Beckman; son, Ryan and wife, Ginny of Carbondale and grandkids, Trevin and Taylin Beckman; and daughter, Amber and husband, Brandon of Ft. Collins and grandkids, Andrianne, Hailey, and Alyssa Ridnour. Larry is also survived by sisters, Patsy Idler, Donna Terrell, Peggy Fadenrecht, Maxine Strick, and brothers, Randy Beckman, Terry Beckman and Bill Beckman, their spouses, as well as 22 nieces and nephews and many other cousins.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, October 23, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at the Beecher Island Sunday School in Beecher Island, Colorado with Rev. Harold Jackson officiating. Interment was held in the Grandview Cemetery in Wray, Colorado. The family is requesting memorial donations to be made to Hospice of the Plains, P.O. Box 365, Wray, Colorado 80758. Spellman-Schmidt Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.