Raymond "Rip" Beckering

Raymond "Rip" Beckering was born on August 5, 1927, to Ernest and Gertrude (Van Essen) Beckering in the village of Edgerton, Minnesota. He was baptized and made his profession of faith at the First Christian Reformed Church. He was raised in Edgerton and attended school there through the eighth grade. He then went to work thrashing and as a mechanic alongside of his father and uncle. On October 31, 1945, he was drafted into the United States Army and served in the European Theatre during World War II. Upon his honorable discharge on February 23, 1947, Rip returned home and began working.

Rip was united in marriage to Harriet Vander Beek on August 26, 1948, at her parents’ home near Edgerton. Their union was blessed with five children and 69 years of marriage together. The couple first resided in Edgerton and then spent a short time living in Arizona from 1952-1955, and then returned to Edgerton. Rip worked as a mechanic and later bought into E & R Service Station. In 1976, he sold his share in the station and opened Beckering Repair. He continued his business until retiring in 1989. He and Harriet enjoyed their retirement camping, fishing, baking, and woodworking. In 2014, they moved to Edgebrook Apartments and in 2017, entered the care of Edgebrook Care Center. Harriet preceded him in death on September 10, 2017. Rip remained a resident of the Edgebrook Care Center where on Saturday, August 18, 2018 Rip went to be with his Lord at the age of 91 years and 13 days.

Rip was a longtime member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Edgerton and had served as a deacon. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He was always involved with his family and community, often times making rubber-band guns for neighborhood kids, playing games, cards (especially Pinochle) and socializing. Rip will fondly be remembered for his fun-loving personality, filled with humor and the ability to bring joy to those around him. His spirit will continue to live well with those who knew him.

Rip is lovingly remembered by his children, Beth Vander Steen of Leota, Minnesota, Kathy (Phil) Menning of Edgerton, Trish (Dan) Dysthe of Slayton, Minnesota, and Dawn (Doug) Ossefoort of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; 11 grandchildren, Rich Vander Steen, Deb Winzenburg, Travis Vander Steen, Becky Weber, Rachel Van Roekel, Laura Lunder, Jason Dysthe, Kayla Mihin, Kari Joldersma, Justin Ossefoort, Jordan Ossefoort;  and 18 great-grandchildren; a brother, Willis (Verla) of Sioux Falls; and a brother-in-law, Marinus Landhuis of Denver. He was preceded in death by his wife, Harriet; son, Wes; son-in-law, Ron Vander Steen; parents; and two sisters, Jeanette Kuipers and Gladys Landhuis.

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