Gary Beckendorf, jack of all trades, creator of family, symbol of strength, age 77 of Renville, left for his heavenly home Monday, March 8, 2021 at Carris Health – Redwood Hospital in Redwood Falls.  A celebration of life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Zion United Methodist Church in Danube with a Facebook Livestream on Stephens Funeral Service Facebook page.  Walk-through visitation will be 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.  Saturday at the church. A private burial will take place at a later time.  Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, guests will be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing guidelines. A 50% indoor occupancy restriction will be maintained. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Gary was born December 1, 1943 in Redwood Falls, Minnesota to August and Ina (Ahrens) Beckendorf.  He was raised on a farm south of Renville, where Gary and Lois reside.  Gary graduated from Renville High School and Fargo Tech School.  Gary and Lois (Bruns) were married January 8, 1965 at Middle Creek United Methodist Church.  Together their lives shared 56 years and four children.  Gary spent his life working with his hands and fixing many things.  He worked as a farmhand for Harold Fluck, worked at K & M Mfg. Welch Equipment and SEI for 25 years.  Gary never really retired.  He enjoyed working at Farmer’s Co-Op oil.  In his free time, he enjoyed spending time tinkering with his International tractors, classic vehicles, watching western movies, drives through the Minnesota River bottom.  He loved spending time with his children and especially his grandchildren. 

Gary is survived by his wife, Lois (Bruns) Beckendorf; daughter Deb (Terry) Chiglo and their children: Kennedy, Carter, Harrison, and Jackson; daughter Dianne Beckendorf (Mike Verschelde) and her son Austin; son Bryan (Nancy) Beckendorf and their children Brandon (Elizabeth) and their children August and Maeven, Trevor and his son Bohdi; son Brad (Jennifer) Beckendorf and their children: Meghan, Jessica, Natalie, and Heidi.  Gary is preceded by his parents, August & Ina Beckendorf, sister, Darla McGown, and niece Bobbi Jo Ringeisen.