With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Elizabeth “Liz” Beckman, 96, of Sturgis, South Dakota, who peacefully slipped away in her sleep, surrounded by love, on March 17, 2026 at Aspen Grove in Sturgis.

There is a quiet kind of peace in knowing she left this world so gently…like it softened just enough to carry her home. Liz spent a lifetime giving love in a million small, beautiful ways, and that love does not fade. It lives on in every memory, every lesson, and every warm feeling she leaves behind.

Liz was born on February 7, 1930, in Rhame, North Dakota, to Ernest and Gladys (Fowler) Shuck. She grew up in and around Rhame and attended the school where her mother taught. On June 19, 1947, she married her beloved husband, Paul Beckman. Together they moved to Iowa, for a short period, and later built their life in South Dakota, where Liz worked as a cook at Sturgis Hospital before continuing her career at Fort Meade, eventually retiring as a kitchen supervisor.

Liz was the heart of her family…the glue that held us all together. She was known for her unconditional love, patience, kindness, humor, strong faith, and unwavering support for those she loved. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures: cooking, baking, playing bingo, marbles, and cards with family and friends. Her biscuits and gravy and sloppy joes were more than meals—they were expressions of love that brought people together and made everyone feel at home. Above all else, Liz cherished watching her family grow.

She showed comfort, kindness, and strength all wrapped into one. Though she is no longer here to hold our hands, we are so grateful we could hold and love her on her last days on this beautiful earth. We will feel you always—in the way we laugh, the way we care, and the way we love.

Because of you, this world is a better place. Because of you, we know what love truly looks like. Because of you, this world was blessed with 42 beautiful lives.

Liz is survived by her children: Janet (Jeff) Caster of Douglas, Wyoming; Jowan Beckman of Sturgis, South Dakota; Deb (Steve) Klima of Sturgis, South Dakota; Bruce Beckman of Rapid City, South Dakota; and Sandy (John) Knecht of Sturgis, South Dakota. She was also blessed with 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many beloved grand puppies.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Gladys; her husband, Paul; her sister, Margaret; her brothers, Donald, Clifford & Robert Shuck, and Wyman Hansen; her granddaughter, Jolene Heaton; her great-granddaughter, Brittany Thompson; and her special friend, Ray Werre.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 24, at 2:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel, officiated by Reggie Lewis. Burial details will be announced at a later date.

Liz will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her. Rest peacefully - you were deeply loved, and you always will be.