Daniel R Beckman

Dr. Daniel R. Beckman, age 73, cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away suddenly at home on January 23, 2022. A native of Buffalo, New York, he originally planned to attend the Naval Academy but after a snow skiing accident landed him in the hospital, his interest in medicine commenced and he decided to pursue a medical career. He attended Colgate University for his undergraduate studies and obtained his medical degree at SUNY at Buffalo. Dr. Beckman’s medical career started in Marshall, Minnesota as a family practice physician. After six successful years, he elected to pursue a second residency in pathology at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Dr. Beckman then moved his family to Cincinnati, Ohio. Never seeking claim or recognition, 28 years of Dr. Beckman’s medical career took place behind the scenes in the lab as a pathologist – diagnosing and directing care as a founding partner of Southern Ohio Pathology Consultants. After formal retirement, Dr. Beckman continued to work part time in various pathology positions across the southern and mid-western states. Dr. Beckman was a brilliant physician; he took immense pride in increasing the knowledge of his peers while continuing the expansion of his own expertise, all with the objective of positively impacting the practice of medicine. 

 Husband, father, physician, mentor, educator, athlete, explorer, and ultimate adventure seeker, Dan touched so many lives in unbelievable ways. His adventures took him across the globe, from guiding visually impaired cross country skiers in Norway to sea kayaking and captaining sail boats in the Caribbean, all while creating lifelong friendships with people from all walks of life. In spite of these accomplishments, Dan was a modest, principle-based, selfless man who never sought any acknowledgement for his many successes. Dan’s priority, however, was always his family. 

 Dan and Carol were married June 17, 1972 in Buffalo, New York. After graduation from medical school, they moved to the Los Angeles area where Dan completed his medical residency. They began their family during this period with the birth of their first child. They relocated to Marshall, Minnesota, where he began his medical practice and their two sons were born. 

 Dan was a consummate provider for his family. He was committed to instilling strong family values: honesty, integrity, education, humor, grit, and hard work. He engendered the love of travel, exploration, curiosity, and immense appreciation of new experiences and relationships. He was fiercely proud of his three children and their accomplishments, which was influenced by Dan’s competitive spirit. His pride in his family grew as it expanded to include six grandchildren. Grandpa Dan prioritized spending quality time with all his grandchildren, by playing games, attending concerts, enjoying sporting events, traveling together, telling jokes, asking intriguing questions, and nurturing curiosity and exploration. Grandpa Dan encouraged each of them, in all of their diverse interests, demonstrating the importance of living life to its absolute fullest. 

 Dan’s insatiable curiosity led to many pursuits and hobbies. Fascinated with aviation, Dan obtained private, instrument, and commercial pilot licenses. Dan was a gifted, natural athlete. His athleticism led to interests and accomplishments in cycling, snow skiing and snowboarding, racquet sports, swimming, boating and sailing. His personal interests went well beyond athletics, to include a lifelong love of music and performing arts. Dan’s voracious love for reading and learning at one point culminated in 79 library books from 12 different libraries in his home! 

 Dan had a particular love for the water, which resulted in an enduring interest in lake and ocean life. He became a proficient sailor, leading him to several new adventures in rivers, lakes, and oceans throughout North America. He prided himself on sharing his love and appreciation for these activities with family and friends during family vacations and celebrations. Dan took great joy in spending countless hours sharing, teaching, and mentoring friends and family in water sports and activities. His far reaching and diverse interests led one friend to once inquire whether there were any activities that Dan did not master. 

 In addition to his busy professional and personal life, Dan was committed to personally serving others. He donated his time and energy for decades to several organizations. His membership and service to Rotary International included hosting a foreign exchange student for a year, as well as worldwide travel to attend conferences. Dan merged his passion for the outdoors and his desire to help others by serving as a sighted Nordic guide for the Ski For Light organization for over 25 years, leading to an international recognition for his service to the organization.  

 In addition to his time, many organizations were benefactors of Dan’s generosity throughout his lifetime. Three favorites included Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Make a Wish Foundation, and American Heart Association, but dozens of other organizations benefited from his charitable nature.

 Dan was preceded in death by his parents – Robert William and Dorothy (MacLeod) Beckman. 

 Dan is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Carol (Grace) Beckman; children Kimberly (Beckman) Pfaff, Tim Beckman (Emily Beckman), and Terrence Beckman (Emily Ritter); sister Alexa, brother Barry; and grandchildren Henry (14), Koleton (13), Samuel (12), Paxton (9), Bryson (5), and Maelyn (2).

 While his family is absolutely heartbroken by his sudden passing, they are consoled knowing his spirit, influence, love, and generosity will continue to impact family, friends, and the many others who were blessed to know him. The family finds comfort in knowing Dan is resting in God’s heavenly peace. 

 The Beckman family is planning a celebration of Dan’s life, which will take place in Cincinnati, Ohio later this spring. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, American Heart Association, and Ski For Light International.