Daniel Beckedahl, 59 years old of Guilford, passed away peacefully Thursday evening, June 27, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born and raised in Sherwood, North Dakota, Dan grew up working on his family farm in Canada just one mile from his home and at the family restaurant, a true mom and pop diner. During his senior year in high school, he helped lead his team to the basketball state championship title. Immediately after high school, Dan joined the United States Navy where he started his career on an aircraft carrier, served in Desert Storm, and after 20 years of service, retired as a proud Chief Petty Officer. Two years after joining the Navy, Dan met Denise, the love of his life, and shortly after marrying had two boys, Joshua & Adam, of whom he was extremely proud. As a family in the United States Navy, they relocated every three years including one stay in Bermuda.
With his sights on retirement, Dan and Denise decided to settle down in Indiana, first moving to Bright and then later to New Alsace when they found property where Dan could surround himself with God’s beauty. He spent his time doing what he loved, which was hunting and fishing. During the summer he enjoyed gardening and finished the season by canning everything he had carefully cultivated. Dan also took time to camp and loved to end the evening sitting by the fire. While he kept himself busy around the property, he was also known to drop everything and drive to watch the grandkids in their weekday activities. Driving a couple hours for a brief 20-minute visit wasn’t out of the question for a Grandpa that so dearly loved his grandchildren.
Dan was a man of God and filled his servant duties with love. If someone needed his help, he took them in and got them back on their feet. He shared his home, his property, and his heart with those that needed it most. Dan was always active in his church and at the North Dearborn American Legion Post 452 where he was a member. If he wanted to take a break, he opted to watch westerns, and was a huge fan of John Wayne. He liked to share mottos with his friends and family with one of his favorites being “A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do”.
Dan will be deeply missed by Denise, his wife of 40 years, his children Joshua (Mckennzie) Beckedahl and Adam (Brittany) Beckedahl; his grandchildren Jacob, Mckaela, Kayla, Lexi, Damien, Benjamin, Colton, and Madison; mother-in-law Carol Schrode; and many nieces & nephews. Dan is preceded in death by his parents Evelyn & Leslie Beckedahl; siblings Larry, John, David, Fred, Robert, and Rosemary; and Uncle George & Aunt Olive Goldsmith.
A memorial service will be held for Dan on Friday, July 5 at the North Dearborn American Legion Post 452. Friends and friends will be welcomed from 10:00am – 12:00pm and a prayer service will begin at 12:00pm. Please join the family for a meal at the Legion after the service. Memorials can be made to the North Dearborn American Legion Post 452 and Loving Hearts Hospice. Memorials will be accepted at the service or can be mailed to the funeral home. Family and friends may leave condolences at www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com.