Walter Frederick Beckmann

Walter Frederick Beckmann was born on December 24, 1932 to Walter and Esther Beckmann in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Walter was baptized into the Lord’s family of grace and later confirmed in his faith at First Lutheran Church in LaCrosse.

Walter attended Northwestern Prep in Watertown, Wisconsin, where he met the love of his life, Marilyn Miller. He also met Richard Balge, his roommate for 10 years of school, best man, and the person whom he regarded as his brother. Walter continued on in Watertown at Northwestern College and finished his education at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 1958.

Pastor Walt Beckmann served as pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Battle Creek, Michigan from 1958-1963, until he was called to serve as the first resident WELS Pastor on the East Coast.

He served Grace Lutheran Church in Falls Church, Virginia from 1963-2004. During that time the Lord blessed his ministry at Grace, used him in exploratory services for numerous new congregations on the Eastern Seaboard, and in planting many congregations in the Colonial Conference of the WELS as mission board chair.

Walt was called to serve as the first District President of the North Atlantic District

at its founding convention in October of 1983. He served in that role until his retirement in 2004.

Walter appreciated humor and did his best to put a smile on other people’s faces with his quick wit and affable ways. As a young boy, Walter welcomed the Ringling Brothers Circus to his hometown, and was among those hired to water the dozens of elephants. He was a devoted fan of “The Duke”, John Wayne, and enjoyed listening to Johnny Cash.

On Wednesday, December 14, 2016 the Lord took to Himself the soul of our brother in Christ, Rev. Walter Frederick Beckmann, at the age 83 years. His son shared with him, “Dad, you are going to see Jesus today!”

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marilyn; two children, Deb (Michael) Hatzung and James Beckmann; grandsons James Hatzung, Daniel (Gina) Hatzung, and Matthew Hatzung; and great-granddaughters Elsa, Lorelei, and Emilia Hatzung. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Laurel (Duane) Schmeichel, and his sister, Gloria.

We commit his soul to the care of our gracious God, and his earthly remains to await the great day of the Resurrection.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Psalm 116:15

The family of Rev Walter Beckmann suggests any of three options if you wish to share a memorial gift:

Grace Lutheran Church, 3233 Annandale Rd, Falls Church, Virginia 22042

Walt was privileged to be the first pastor of Grace, Falls Church in 1963 and served this family of believers for 41 years.

WLS Scholarship Fund

Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, 11831 N Seminary Dr, Mequon, WI 53092

https://community.wls.wels.net/

Walt graduated from this seminary in 1958. His two sons-in-law graduated from here as well. His youngest grandchild is in his first year of studies at this wonderful school.

Virginia Hospital Center Wound Clinic

Virginia Hospital Center Foundation, 1701 N. George Mason Dr, Arlington, VA 22205

https://www.virginiahospitalcenter.com/supportthehospital/donate_online.aspx

Walt visited the Wound Clinic almost every week since April, 2016. We deeply appreciate the care, humor, and compassion they shared with him.