Joseph Beckstrand

Biography

Joseph Milton Beckstrand, our loving husband, father, grand-father, and great grand-father, passed away into his Heavenly Father’s arms on October 22, 2013. Joe was born April 16, 1924, in Hastings, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand to John Milton and Eva Lovell Beckstrand. Joe was the oldest of five boys and enjoyed working on the farm, riding horses, hunting, fishing, and all sports.

While other young men were going on missions dad was drafted to serve in the armed forces. Dad served as Private 1st class in the 28th Division, 112 Infantry regiment, company D during World War II. He was trained and served as a gunner on a 3 man machine gun crew. He was taken prisoner of war during the “Battle of the Bulge.” He was wounded and was awarded the Purple Heart before he was honorably discharged.

Upon returning from being a prisoner of war his Aunt Edith introduced him to her neighbor and his eternal companion Jean Lambert. They were married on August 4, 1949 in the Logan LDS temple. Their eternal companionship was blessed with six children. Education was very important to dad. He attended Southern Utah State from 1946-48 then he transferred to Utah State University and graduated in 1950 with a major in Animal Industry and a minor in Agronomy and Zoology.

Joe was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints fulfilling many callings in the ward and stake. He loved serving with the youth of the church and did so faithfully for more than 26 years. He served as a member of the Bishopric and was always a faithful Home Teacher. His most recent call was serving in the Bountiful Temple which he dearly loved.

Spending time with his family was what made Joe the happiest. Whether it was telling a grand-child a story, or fishing in Yellowstone, or in the mountains with his family camping… he loved being with his family.

Joe is survived by his 6 children, Sandra Beckstrand, Janice Hough (Bryan), Craig Beckstrand (Tylene), Neil Beckstrand (Laurie), Ronald Beckstrand (Lori), and Mark Beckstrand (Karin); 23 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Harold (NaDean) Beckstrand, Gordon (Norma) Beckstrand, Mervin (Carolyn) Beckstrand, and Linford (Mary Louis) Beckstrand. Preceded in death by his parents, and beloved wife Jean Lambert Beckstrand of over 60 years together in this life, but an eternity awaits them.
Our family deeply appreciates his tender loving care provided for his dear wife during her years of health issues and for his care of his daughter Sandra.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 26, 2013 at the Val Verda Second Ward Chapel located at 3317 South 800 West, Bountiful. Viewing services will be Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main, and Saturday at the church one hour prior to services. Interment-Lakeview Cemetery. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com.

Funeral Service

Saturday October 26, 2013, 11:00 at Val Verda 2nd Ward
Click for Map and Directions

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 26, 2013 at the Val Verda Second Ward Chapel located at 3317 South 800 West, Bountiful. Viewing services will be Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main, and Saturday at the church one hour prior to services. Interment-Lakeview Cemetery.