Obituary for Arnold Beckner
Arnold Jacob Beckner, 76, of Bellflower, passed away January 29, 2014. He was born in 1937 in Peoria, and graduated from East Peoria High School in 1955. He was an engine mechanic at Caterpillar for 42 years, starting in 1955. Arnold had been an active Jehovah’s Witness since 1958, and had served in the full-time ministry since 1997. Arnold married Betty Jean Lundgren in 1968, and they had two children, Jonathan, of East Peoria; and Clayton, of Christchurch, New Zealand. Arnold was preceded in death by Betty in 1996. In 1998, Arnold married Jennie Theis, who passed away in 2009. Arnold is survived by his sons; his step-daughter, Jennie Beth Ferguson; four grandchildren; and many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his brother, Larry Beckner of Peoria, and his sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Otken of Jacksonville. Arnold was preceded in death by a son, Timothy Beckner. Arnold is fondly remembered by friends and family as a committed minister, avid reader, fisherman, sports and nature enthusiast, raconteur, and storehouse of knowledge, both anecdotal and scholarly in nature. A memorial will be held on Saturday, February 8, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 18884 Rte Hwy 150, Bloomington. A visitation begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by a service at 10:30. Memorials may be made to Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Worldwide Work.
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