Alan Edward Beckers

Alan Beckers was born on January 27, 1947, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Richard and Helen Beckers. He joined his older brother John, and together they became a dynamic duo. Winters meant backyard ice rinks built by their dad, sledding and skiing down their front lawn, and even the occasional ice fishing trip.

Alan began school at Christ the King Catholic Grade School, where he also received his First Communion. In 1957, the family moved to Lake Oswego, Oregon, now joined by sister Nancy. Alan attended Our Lady of the Lake and graduated from Jesuit High School in 1965. Childhood was full of road trips—Alaska, Mexico, Yellowstone, Canada, and a cross-country U.S. tours that lit a lifelong love of travel.

He earned a degree in History from Portland State University in 1969. During college, he studied abroad in Pavia, Italy, falling deeply in love with the people, art, and culture. He returned years later to share the experience with his own family.

Following his graduation Alan was drafted into the U.S. Army where he continued his travels serving in the Ranger Division as an Administrative Specialist in Vietnam. He was proud to have served his country, although his service led to health complications later in life. After returning home, Alan worked for the phone company in facilities management and space planning. This was also around the time he was called to adventure again and successfully climbed to the base camp of Mt. Everest in Nepal.

In 1977, he married Delores Wilhelmi. They welcomed their son Andy in 1981, followed by twins Nick and Charlie in 1986. Their house was complete with three rambunctious boys adding love and life to the family. Alan was a longtime member of the Rotary Club, opening his home to exchange students, and volunteered as an adult literacy tutor. He was a devoted parishioner at St. John Fisher for over 40 years and deeply appreciated the community that continued to visit and bring him communion as he navigated his health.

Later in life, Alan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Though it limited his mobility, it never dimmed his spirit. He continued designing layouts for his beloved model trains and never gave up hope of returning home to complete them. Visits from his corgi, Corey, were always the highlight of his week. Alan passed away peacefully at the age of 78.

Alan is survived by his sons Andy (Karlen), Charlie (Aubrie), and Nick; his sister Nancy Haller (Paul); and his niece and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother John, and Delores.