Donald G. Beckman, 95, formerly of Waltham, died Jan. 6, 2014, at Prairie Manor Care Center in Blooming Prairie.

He was born on Jan. 18, 1918, to Julius and Anna (Boelk) Beckman and grew up in the Waltham area attending country school through eigth grade followed by two years in Hayfield. Donald was a bachelor but enjoyed the relationship with his two nieces, one nephew and their families. Besides farming alongside his dad, and in later years taking over the farm, Donald also had a trucking business. Many local farmers called upon him to haul their livestock to slaughter. He also had a dump truck and delivered many a load of gravel or dirt. A member of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, rural Waltham, he served on the church council, cemetery board and was an usher. He loved a good joke, enjoyed TV, playing solitaire, and took pride in keeping a tidy yard. His giggle will be remembered by all and he will be missed by his neighbors, friends and family.

Donald is survived by one brother, Raymond Beckman, Prairie Manor Care Center; nephew, Ronald (Linda) Beckman, Sioux Falls, S.D.; two nieces, Sandra (Douglas) Novak, Blooming Prairie and Janet (Daryl) Gehlbach, Fridley, Minn.; one grandniece, Darci (Darian) Madsen; three grandnephews, Todd (Crystal) Beckman, Scott (Debra) Novak, Wade (Audrey) Beckman; six great-grandnieces; and three great-grandnephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Gertrude (Elger) Steinbach and Viola (Ben) Gilderhus; a sister-in-law; and two brothers-in-law.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, rural Waltham, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2014, to celebrate his memory, followed by burial of his ashes at the church cemetery. The Rev. Dwight DoBell will officiate. The Beckman Family will greet friends from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. Lunch will be served at the church. The family requests memorials are made to St. Michael’s Lutheran Church or Prairie Manor Care Center. Worlein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.