Harold L. Beckner, 89, of Oakland NE

HAROLD L. BECKNER was born to Theodore and Marie (Ruby) Beckner on December 28, 1925 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He passed away August 29, 2015 at Oakland Heights Nursing Home in Oakland, Nebraska.

Harold received his education and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs in 1944.

Upon graduation, he immediately enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He flew in a B29 as a gunner, and was stationed in Guam until the end of WWII. One of his squadron’s duties was protection of the Enola Gay. They were also part of the show of arms at the signing of the Japanese surrender on the Battleship Missouri. He was forever proud of his military service; only in his last few years was he able to share some memories with family, friends, and anyone who would listen.

After the war, he returned to Council Bluffs. On May 13, 1946, Harold was married to Jeannette Sluyter. To this marriage three sons were born; Gary, Harold and Ted.

He worked for several years for the Union Pacific Railroad. From there he began his career with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, until his retirement in 1981. Upon retirement, he began helping farmers in the Oakland and Lyons area. He was always eager to help anyone out, and enjoyed the friendships he made along the way. His friendly personality made him a great flower delivery man for his daughter-in-law.

June 28, 1984, Harold married Judy Lurz and gained four more children; Susan, Sandra, Darrell and Danny. He and Judy enjoyed their children and grandchildren immensely and rarely missed any of their activities. They loved to travel, and spent many winters in Arizona. He loved Judy’s cooking, and the times they spent visiting friends and relatives. Harold never met a stranger. He loved to build and remodel houses; he enjoyed hunting, fishing, outdoor activities and trading cars.

Harold was involved, and very active in the Robert Klase-Rogers VFW Post #7998, Harvey Lenig American Legion Post #83, Tekamah Masonic Lodge #31 A.F. & A.M., Telephone Pioneers, and Swing Aways Square Dance Club. He was also a member of Salem Covenant Church in rural Oakland.

He is survived by his sons, Gary (Susan) Beckner of Blair, NE, Harold (Maxine) Beckner of Clear Lake, IA, Ted (Sue) Beckner of Oakland, Darrell (Marta) Lurz of Valentine, NE, Danny Lurz of Beemer, NE; daughters, Susan Neal of Bedford, NE, Sandra Doyle of Loup City, NE; sister, Becky “Edith” Beckner of Florence, OR; 14 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Tuesday, September 1, 2015, 10:30 am, at Salem Covenant Church, rural Oakland.

VISITATION: Monday 5-7 pm with family receiving friends and MASONIC SERVICE: 7 p.m., all at Pelan Funeral Services Oakland. Visitation Tuesday will be held at the church one hour prior to the service.

BURIAL WITH MILITARY HONORS: Salem Cemetery, rural Oakland

MEMORIALS: Donor’s Choice

Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.

pelan@pelanfuneralservices.com

Harold Beckner