Norman W. Beckman

Norman William Beckman, born January 31, 1940, in Isle, Mn, to Lawrence and Geraldine (Orton) Beckman, passed away at home in Detroit Lakes on September 23, 2025, at the age of 85.

Norm grew up in Marcell, MN, and graduated from Onamia High School. In 1958 he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving as a Radioman aboard the USS Oklahoma City and at Adak Naval Station, Alaska. He received an honorable discharge in 1962.

After his service, Norm worked at the Studebaker plant in Indiana. He returned to Marcell and held various jobs until marrying Cherie Huju, on July 20, 1963—during a full solar eclipse. The couple settled in the Minneapolis area, where Norm worked first as a lineman and then as a driver for the Minneapolis bus system. He later joined Greyhound Bus Lines.

In 1974, he moved to Roundup, Montana, built a home, and drove Greyhound routes out of Billings. In October 1980, Norm moved to Detroit Lakes, MN, where he drove Greyhound routes out of Fargo, ND. Over the years he built a 35-year career with Greyhound Lines. During a Greyhound strike, he worked for the U.S. Post Office—first sorting mail and later as a custodian—and he also worked at Swift & Company (Swift’s). He later drove for Anderson Bus Service in Frazee and served as custodian at Community Alliance Church. In 2019, he moved from Pickeral Lake to Campbell Avenue, where he made his home for the rest of his life, and—before finally retiring—he delivered parts for Auto Value.

A man of faith and capable hands, Norm was instrumental in building the Assembly of God Church in Roundup, Mt, as well as a log home in Elk City, Id. He was an avid woodworker who traveled to many area craft shows. For over 40 years, Norm enjoyed fishing and gardening at their Pickeral Lake home. In quieter moments, he could be found with a crossword puzzle—one of his lifelong pleasures.

Norm is survived by his wife, Cherie; his children, Brad and Judy; his grandson, Alex; brother-in-law, Mike and wife Sue, and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his son, Kent; and his younger sister, Judy.

A Celebration of Norm’s Life will be held at 2PM on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Community Alliance Church in Detroit Lakes. Family and friends will gather one hour prior.

We would like to give a Special Thank You to HIA Hospice and Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service.