Alert James Beckman, 82, Sturgis, died Monday, September 22, 2008 at the Fort Meade VA Medical Center.

Private Committal services will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery.

Alert was born June 1, 1926 at Mobridge, SD, to Arthur and Olena (Levorson) Beckman. He attended school in Selby, SD. After graduating from High School he joined the Navy and served his country honorably. After his discharge he returned to the Selby area.

On September 15, 1946 he married Helen Caroline Heil at Mobridge. The couple farmed in the Selby and Mobridge area for 30 years. After retiring they moved to the Sturgis area where Alert enjoyed restoring old tractors.

Survivors include his sons; TJ (Karen) Beckman, Sturgis, Don (DeVawn) Beckman, Minot, ND; four grandchildren, Kimberly (Grant) Ferrell, Jason (Nicki) Beckman, Calyn Beckman, Cory Beckman; three great grandchildren, Preston, Halli and Emma Beckman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Helen and one sister.