Robert Beckel

Robert W. "Bob" Beckel, 86, of rural Kellogg, died Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015, at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Wabasha.

Bob was born to Walter and Laura (Bornfleth) in Chicago. His father died when Bob was very young, and he was raised by his mother and stepfather, Joseph Beckel. The family moved to Austin, where he graduated from Austin High School. He was united in marriage to Lorraine Peterson Jan. 8, 1949, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. Bob was a pipefitter for Scheid Plumbing and Heating, and later for HiMEC, Inc., in Rochester. He was an accomplished baseball player, playing for the semi-pro team, Austin Packers, and while working in the communities of Blue Earth, St. Cloud and Litchfield, he played for their baseball teams. He retired Jan. 1, 1986. The couple had a motorhome for several years at Prichard's Landing, rural Kellogg, where they enjoyed the water and the outdoors. They moved to the property full-time in 1987. For the past several years, they spent their winters in Florida.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman and Minnesota Twins fan. His love of hunting and fishing took him to many locations. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church of Wabasha and the pipefitters union.

He is survived by his wife, Lorraine Beckel, Kellogg; sons and daughters-in-law, Joe and Shelly Beckel, Rochester, and Mike and Julie Beckel, Missoula, Mont.; three grandchildren, Tina, Bryce and Jenessa; four great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Geri Beckel, Chatfield; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dale.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015, at 11 a.m. at Abbott Funeral Home in Wabasha, with the Rev. David Knox officiating. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin at 3 p.m. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday one hour before the service.

Abbott Funeral Home of Wabasha is in charge of arrangements, www.abbottfh.com.