Dwaine Warner “DW” Beckman, beloved father, grandfather and friend, entered eternity on June 20, 2012. He was the third of four children born to Fritz and Linnea (Hokanson) Beckman on July 6, 1927. All four siblings and their father were born on the same farm near Kerkhoven, Minn.
Dwaine’s schooling started in an old one-room country school. He later attended school in Benson, Minn., and graduated from Central High School in Minneapolis. He proudly served in the U.S. Coast Guard in the later part of WWII. He attended the Gale Institute to study telegraphy and station accounting and hired out with the Northern Pacific Railway on Oct. 4, 1949. After six years, he was promoted to a train dispatcher and after working as such for 40 years, two months and 11 days, he retired on Dec. 15, 1989, as assistant chief dispatcher in charge of the coal department.
He married Shirley Ann Olson on Nov. 1,1947, and to this union was born three sons: Phil, Wayne and Dale. They divorced in 1974. Dwaine married Beverly Ann (Kalloch) Mitchell on June 5, 1975, “The person who really made my life worthwhile,” who enriched his life with three stepsons: Kelly, Kevin and Justin. His beloved Bev passed away June 14, 2011, after 36 years and nine days of marriage.
Dwaine was active in several fraternal organizations. He was past master of Glendive Lodge No. 31 AF&AM and past top officer of all the York Rite Bodies in Glendive. He was past exalted ruler of Glendive Lodge No. 1324 BPOE. He was also past commander Huntley Project VFW Post 7407 and was most currently quartermaster/adjutant. Past commander VFW District No. 3 and most currently quartermaster/adjutant. Also most currently QM/ADJ Military Order of the Cootie PT No. 12, member of the Al Bedoo Shrine and the Provost Guard and Camel Herders. He was also a member of the Yellowstone Woodturners.
He was a member of Atonement Lutheran Church in Billings.
Dwaine was preceded in death by his wonderful wife, Bev; his parents; brothers, Arville and Marlowe; and sister, Frances. He is survived by his sons, Phil (Pouran) of Everett, Wash., Wayne (Nancy) of Helena and Dale of Helena; stepdaughter, Mary Ann (Carey) Olson of New Mexico; stepsons, Kelly (Cheryl) Mitchell of Helena, Kevin (Dineen) Mitchell of Glendive and Justin (Michelle) Mitchell of Enterprise, Ala.; grandchildren, Mariam, Omeed, Katie, Michaela, Christi, Rae Ann, Jordan, Delona, Devin, Ariana, Dannielle and Trent; and stepgreat-grandson, Kyler.
The family is very grateful for the excellent care Dwaine received from the oncology floor nursing staff at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena. We will never forget you, Dad; you were an honorable and loving parent and you will always live in our hearts.
Cremation has taken place and funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 27, at 2 p.m.at Atonement Lutheran Church in Billings, 407 Wicks Lane. Memorials may be made to Al Bedoo Shriners Hospital for Children (transportation fund), 1125 Broadwater Ave., Billings, MT 59102. Smith Downtown Chapel in Billings is in charge of arrangements.
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