Richard J. “Dick” Beckel, Sr., 94, of Cameron, Missouri, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, and Wahoo, Nebraska, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cameron.

Dick was born May 12, 1923, in Austin, to John G. “Jack” and Stella (Thompson) Beckel. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1949 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Dick worked as the chief mechanical engineer for Hormel.

Dick honorably served his country during World War II, while serving in the United States Navy.

He was a member of Queen of Angels Catholic Church, VFW, American Legion, Moose Club, Elks Club, and the Izaak Walton League.  Dick was an avid sportsman, enjoying golf and hockey.

On Oct. 25, 1947, he married Violet Primeau in Faribault, Minnesota. She preceded him in death in 1985. He then married Dorothy Fischer on Feb. 14, 1998, in Austin. She preceded him in death in 2001.

Dick was a wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He had great character and humor. He will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his children, Barbara Chall, Wahoo, Nebraska, Beverly (Ron) Petersen, Nisswa, Minnesota, Mary (Kirk) Lee, Kidder, Missouri, Carol (Keith) Schrader, Nerstrand, Minnesota, Judith Emiliusen, Austin, and Richard Beckel, Jr., Minneapolis, Minnesota; four stepchildren, Ronald (Sue) Roger, Tubac, Arizona, Brian Fischer, Kimball, Michigan, Jane (Richard) Emerson, Oronoco, Minnesota, and Betty (Darryl) Rice, Rochester, Minnesota; 18 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; brother, John Beckel, Baudette, Minnesota; and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wives, he is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Veronica; brothers, Dwain, David, and Theodore “Bud”; and son-in-law, Randy Emiliusen.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father Dale Tupper officiating. There will be a 6:30 p.m. rosary on Friday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4-7 p.m. and also one hour before the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Missouri Veterans Home, 1111 Euclid Ave., Cameron, MO, your local Catholic school, your local VFW or American Legion.

Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com.