Barbara Beckel

Barbara Beckel, age 95, of Jackson, Minnesota entered into eternal rest on Thursday, September 16, 2021, at the Sanford Jackson Medical Center. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Jackson. Funeral Mass will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at the Church of the Good Shepherd will Father Jonathan Fasnacht officiating. Burial will be held following Mass at Good Shepherd Catholic Cemetery in Jackson.

 BARBARA ANN BECKEL was born on May 9, 1926, in Des Moines Township, Jackson County, Minnesota, the daughter of George and Anna (Schear) Kidney.  She graduated from Jackson High School in 1944.  On October 17, 1945, she was united in marriage to Clinton Maras.  To this marriage seven children were born.  On October 20, 1973, she was united in marriage to   Stanley Beckel at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Jackson.  They made their home on Maple Street in Jackson.  Barb worked for Production Credit Association for many years. Stanley passed away on April 15, 2016.  After Stanley’s passing, Barb moved to The Pines in Jackson.  Barb passed away at the Sanford Hospital on September 16, 2021, at the age of 95 years, 4 months, and 7 days.

Barb was a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Jackson, where she was active with the Foresters.  She was also a member of the VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries.  She was an avid reader who enjoyed novels with historical backgrounds and faith-based writings. Barb enjoyed sewing and knitting; her many grandchildren were gifted hats and mittens each year for Christmas, and she especially enjoyed knitting caps for the Missions.  Each new baby received a hand-made blanket and no child in her family was forgotten when it came to birthdays. She loved tending her flowers and gardening.  Barb and Stanley loved to travel throughout the United States.  A favorite place was the Iron Range in Northern Minnesota. She enjoyed community service and delivered Meals on Wheels for many years.

Barb is survived by her children,  Jeanne (John) Cole of Waynoka OK, Peggy Maras of Jackson MN, George Maras of Farmington, MN, James (Marlyne) Maras of Madelia, MN,  John  (Sharon) Maras of Waynoka OK , Suzanne Maras of Madison, AL, a daughter in law, Lorna Maras of Ceylon MN, and Sherrl (Michael) Handzus of Lakefield MN, Susan Beckel (Scott Keil) of Manly IA, Scott (Mary) Beckel of Jackson, MN and Stephen Beckel of Jackson MN, numerous grandchildren and many great and great-great grandchildren.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Stanley, a son, Michael Maras, a daughter in law, Carolyn Maras, a sister, Marie Lee and a brother Jerry Kidney.

Blessed be the memory of Barbara Ann Beckel.

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