Bernard "Barney" Henry Beckstedt

Bernard Henry Beckstedt (Barney), 85, passed away on Wednesday August 4, 2011 at the Veterans Administration Hospital, from a blood clot in his lung. He was born December 10, 1925 In Fort Wayne, His Parents were Xavier (Mike) and Selma M. Beckstedt. They lived in New Haven in his younger years until they moved to a small town called Dawkins east of New Haven on State Road 14. He was the only boy with four sisters. He married Betty Jane Heine on the fifth day of November 1949. The question was asked how much education he had. The best answer was 85 years worth, but formally 11 years. He was very proud to have served in the US army in World War II . He worked for the railroad as an inspector, for Fuller Brush as a salesman and finally for the US Postal Service, as a letter carrier, serving as their Union president in his later years. After retirement he devoted much of his time to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception serving in many capacities. Rich is a word that is used with Bernard, but not as you would think. Eleven children are his riches, His and Betty’s biggest achievement. A feat few would undertake. Survived by his wife Betty Jane Beckstedt, Ten Children, Matthew (Catherine) Beckstedt, Carl Beckstedt, Mark (Christine) Beckstedt, Kenneth (Yvonne) Beckstedt, Cynthia (Rich) Campbell, Thomas (Perri-Jean) Beckstedt, Phillip (Renee) Beckstedt, Joseph (Petra) Beckstedt, Lisa (Kevin) Schuhler and Jennifer (Nelson) Catalan; one sister, Anna Navarra; twenty one grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter, Christina Beckstedt, parents, Xavier and Selma, and sisters, Irene Carpenter, Bertha Markey, Rosemary Glass and Rita Hughes. Mass of Christian Burial is 10:00 am Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 1122 S. Clinton St. with calling one hour prior. Visitation is 2-4 and 6-8 pm Tuesday at Klaehn, Fahl and Melton, Winchester Rd. Chapel, 6424 Winchester Rd. with a Rosary recited at 7:00 pm. Burial in Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Masses or the restoration organ fund at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Barney wishes to thank everyone who added to his life as it was a great one. You can view the obituary along with signing the online guestbook at: www.klaehnfahlmeltonfunerals.com