Robert “Bob” Don Beckman, 90, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Bob was born on June 19, 1936, in Altamont, South Dakota, to Peter Jacob and Amanda (Hermann) Beckmann. His family later moved to Watertown, South Dakota, where they farmed. Bob graduated from Watertown High School in 1954.
After high school, Bob joined the U.S. Navy, serving for three years before joining the U.S. Air Force. He retired from the Air Force in 1980 as a Senior Master Sergeant, completing 26 years of combined military service at Andrews AFB. Bob always said, “Joining the military was the second-best thing that I did; the first thing was marrying your mother.”
Bob married Marie (Czech) on September 10, 1955, in Bakersfield, California. Together they raised two children, Robert Scott and Lizabeth Marie. Bob and Marie were married for 55 years and shared a life filled with family, love, and many adventures.
Following his military service, Bob pursued several career opportunities. He obtained licenses in life insurance sales and real estate and later graduated from Black Hills State College with a bachelor’s degree in education. He went on to teach computer science and science at West Middle School.
Bob is survived by his son, Robert (Lisa) Beckman; daughter, Liz (Loren) Skjervem; grandson, Tim Beckman (Aleks); granddaughters, Sabre (Chad) Davis and Amber Skjervem; and great-grandchildren, Grayson, 10, and Emilia, 8.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Marie, of 55 years; and three sisters, Velma, Mylda, and Shyrlee.
Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Throughout his life, he enjoyed many hobbies, including model airplanes, fishing, hunting, camping, golfing, playing cards, woodworking, and traveling. He and Marie especially enjoyed trips to Alaska and spending winters as snowbirds in Florida.
Bob was always grateful, kind, supportive, and a wonderful role model for his family. He had a generous heart and was always ready to lend a hand. His familiar question was, “What can I do to help?”
After Marie’s passing, Bob found great companionship in his cats, Gracie and, later, Oliver. They brought him comfort and companionship during his later years.
Bob’s family is deeply grateful for the love and support he received throughout his life. They are especially thankful to the Veterans community and Hospice of the Hills, whose support, along with that of family and friends, made it possible to care for Dad in his own home.
In lieu of flowers, donations will be made to the Veterans community and Hospice of the Hills.
Bob will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, strong convictions, devotion to his family, and the many ways he showed others that he cared. His legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those whose lives he touched.
Services will be held 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Rapid City, South Dakota. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery at 3:00 p.m.
