Harold T. Beckman, 87, of Wells, formerly of Bricelyn, died Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, at his daughter's home in Wells.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Bricelyn Lutheran Church in Bricelyn. The Revs. Ed Neiman and Patricia Hinkie will officiate. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Bricelyn Lutheran Cemetery, Seely Township, Faribault County. Military honors will be accorded by the Bricelyn American Legion Post.

Harold Theodore Beckman was born Sept. 14, 1921, the son of Eli and Meta (Quade) Beckman on the family farm in Wells. He was baptized and confirmed at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. He graduated from Wells High School in 1939. Harold was a veteran of World War II and served in the Pacific Theatre. On Nov. 10, 1942, he was united in marriage to Lucille Opal Johnson in Blue Earth. To this union, four children were born. She preceded him in death in 1992. On May 3, 1996, he was united in marriage to Ruth L. (Kissel) Rendall in Bricelyn. She preceded Harold in death in 2000. Harold worked many years in the poultry industry and was owner and operator of Bricelyn Produce. He was known to many in the area as the "Egg Man" who always had gum for the children. He retired as manager of Owatonna Canning Company in 1984. In their retirement, Harold and Lucille enjoyed marketing the 3x7 Sausage they created from a recipe that came to Harold in a dream. He was an active member of Bricelyn Lutheran Church, where he served as a steward in various capacities. He was a member of the Bricelyn Fire and Rescue Squad, Bricelyn school board, city council, Community Club, and the Bricelyn American Legion Post. Harold was named the Faribault County Senior Citizen of the Year. Harold was well known for his love of gardening, tree planting, card playing, fishing, barbecuing chicken for the Fourth of July, announcing Bricelyn High School sports activities and for sharing his time, cookies and pies with friends in need. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by his children and step children: Steven (Linda) Beckman of Navarre, Fla., Tracy (Janel) Beckman of St. Paul, Sandy (Bruce) Lorenz of Wells, Troy (Anita) Beckman of Plymouth, Rhonda (Ray) Korn of Wells, Julie (David) Flo of Bricelyn, Tim (Terri) Rendall of Chanhassen; grandchildren: Chad (Michelle) Beckman, Christopher (Kristi) Beckman, Robin (Greg) Gudal, Matthew Beckman, Anna (Jason) Almerico, Rosa Beckman, Daniel (Amy) Beckman, Benjamin (Molly) Lorenz, Joshua (Amy) Lorenz, Elizabeth (Chris) Bushlack, Mitchell and Nathan Beckman, Jennifer (Levi) Severson, Anna Flo, Adam Korn, Sara, Ryan and Rachel Rendall; 24 great-grandchildren: Devin, Lexie, Zackary, Zyler, Isaac, Hannah, Scott (Andrea), Charlene (Brian) O'Daffer; Theo, Opal, Iris, Aurora, Isabel, Ava, Estelle, Axel, Osborne, Breck, Jack, Cole; Joseph, Ethan, Alix, Zale; one sister: Marvel Kaiser of Wells; three brothers: Herb (Doris), Gerald and Manny (Pat) Beckman; brother-in-law, Clarence Hartman, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wives, Lucille and Ruth; five brothers: Clarence, Gus, Norman, Orville, Melvin in infancy; four sisters: Helen, Viola, Violet and Lois.

Memorials are preferred by the family to hospice, the American Cancer Society, Youth for Christ or plant a tree in Harold's memory.