Gerald "Jerry” Beckstrand, 79, of Spring Valley, Calif. passed away on February 11, at home surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his devoted wife of more than 54 years, Loretta “Lori” (nee Neufeld), and children Linda Stoertz, David (Nicole) Beckstrand, Jasonn (Maggi) Beckstrand, Kirsten Beckstrand, Stacy (Ryan) Brigman, Erin Stephens, Johnna (Dustin) Moen, Michael Beckstrand, and Lauren Beckstrand; as well as his son in law, James Friedlan, III, and grandchildren whom he was so proud of, Ella, Aiden, Logan, Torrey, Darian, Eva, Abby, Taylor, and Landen. He is predeceased by his and Lori’s daughter Cheryl Friedlan, his parents G. Arvid and Pearl Beckstrand, brothers John Beckstrand and James Beckstrand, and sister Eva “Becky” Scott.
Jerry was born in Meeker, Minn. on May 23, 1942, and moved to San Diego at just 6 months old. He graduated from Point Loma High School in 1960 and attended San Diego State University. He was an Information Technology and Service Professional and worked as a Systems Programmer for General Dynamics and CSC until his retirement in 2010. Jerry will be remembered as a loving and caring father, a proud Papa and devoted friend who loved the outdoors, having taken his family on countless camping adventures and was always asking the question "What color is this?"
The memorial services will be held on April 5 at 10 a.m. at:
Santa Sophia Catholic Church
9800 San Juan St.
Spring Valley, CA 91977
