Norman Duane Beckler went to his heavenly home on July 31, 2025, at the age of 85.
He was born March 21, 1940, in Milford. He was the youngest of nine siblings, the son of Edward and Fannie Beckler. He graduated from Iowa Mennonite High School in 1957 and then worked in civilian service, aka 1-W, in Washington, D.C., from 1959-61. Although he desired a medical career, he returned to Nebraska to work the family farm when the need arose.
In 1963, he married Diane Saltzman, and together they raised a family of four children. She was his constant and faithful companion.
Norman was ordained to the pastoral ministry in 1970. He served at East Fairview Mennonite Church and later Faith Christian Church in Nebraska. He faithfully taught and expounded the Scriptures. His gift of teaching was evident.
In 1992, Norman sold the family farm and relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, to work as a Resident Manager at Glencroft Retirement Center and then in 1997, he resettled to Philadelphia, Tennessee, to be closer to his grandchildren.
While in Tennessee, Norman owned and operated a small engine repair shop, and he pastored, for a time, at Cedar Fork Church. He later was a faithful member of Heartland Worship Center.
After the death of his wife in 2021, Norman relocated again to Phoenix to reside near his daughter and only living sister.
Norman was a man of humility, integrity and gratitude. He loved God’s Word, and he lived accordingly. He had many Bible verses, “hidden in his heart” and they were a comfort to him, especially after losing his vision. Norman was a man of prayer, and his personal plans were always prefaced with “Lord Willing.” He had a deep bass voice and loved to sing alongside his wife. Although he was a quiet person, he had a great sense of humor and wit and there wasn’t a problem he couldn’t creatively fix.
Survivors include his two daughters, Denise (Tim) Griswold of Phoenix and Colleen (John) Rollins of AuGres, Michigan; and one son, Darvis (Tammy) Beckler of Middlebury, Indiana. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Kendall (Whitney) Rollins, Anita (Joshua) Pityer, Alicia (Jake) Barber, Austin (Jessica) Beckler, Jared Rollins, Ashley Beckler and Ryan Griswold; as well as five great-granddaughters.
Norman was proceeded in death by his wife, Diane Beckler (2021); his son, Kelvin Beckler (1988); his granddaughter, Jana Rollins (2025); his parents, Edward and Fannie Beckler (1974); and his eight siblings.
Family, friends and community are invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 6, at 10:30 a.m. at East Fairview Mennonite Church, in Milford. A lunch will follow in the fellowship hall.
