Dennis Lee Beckler, 73, of Newton died Saturday May 8, 2021, at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center following an unexpected cardiac event. A celebration of life will be held from 4 - 6 p.m., Friday, May 14, 2021, at Dennis’ home, 5239 E. 5th St S. in a weather prepared, outdoor space. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Wounded Warrior Project or Outdoors Without Boundaries may be left at the celebration of life or at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.
Dennis, the son of Laurene (Beckler) Carter, was born June 29, 1947, in Wellman, Iowa. He grew up there and graduated from Mid-Prairie High School in 1965.
Dennis was a proud Vietnam Veteran who served as a crew chief with C Co 227th AHB from June 1968 - June 1969.
On Oct. 11, 1969, Dennis was united in marriage to the love of his life, Phyllis LaVelle Small. They lived in Nevada, Iowa, for a short time while Dennis was completing his two bachelor of science degrees from Iowa State University, before making Newton their permanent home in the fall of 1979.
Dennis was a jack of all trades and a master of most. Over the course of his career he held many positions, including certified welder, tax accountant, builder, and international sales representative for Vermeer in Pella, Iowa. In 2002, Dennis became a maintenance engineer for Thomberts in Newton. Following his retirement in 2018, he worked seasonally for H&R Block.
Dennis utilized his extensive skill set, which included a “can do” attitude and penchant for quick learning, to design and build his dream home and shop, where he regularly hosted his family and practiced his love of woodworking and gardening.
He also had a continued fascination with aviation which included regularly attending air shows and decades of membership with the Newton Sky Kings R/C club. Dennis was very active with his C227th AHB Ghostrider family; he planned and attended the reunions regularly. Dennis was also an avid conservationist, arborist, and a longtime supporter of Ducks Unlimited.
Dennis is survived by his children: Erin Beckler (Brent Bridgeman) of McDonough, Georgia, April Armstrong of Coralville, Amon Beckler (Brandie Misiag Beckler) of Dubuque, and Amanda (Adam) Prevo of Albia; grandchildren: Gabriel and Joshua Bridgeman, Aaron and Kat Armstrong, Grant, Scarlett, Pierce, Magnolia, and Reid MisiagBeckler, and Christina, Alyssa, and Nicole Prevo; and his uncle: Butch (June) Beckler of Tipton.
He was preceded in death by his mother: Laurene Carter; and wife: Phyllis Beckler.
