MARA BECK
Funeral services for Mara Beckwith, 82, will be held Wednesday, November 23 at 2 p.m., at the Wagner Community Church. Burial is in the ZCBJ Cemetery, rural Wagner. A Celebration of Mara’s Life visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m., with sharing of memories at 5:30 p.m. Peters Funeral Home in Wagner is in charge of arrangements.
Mara Beckwith, formerly of Wagner, died Thursday, November 17, 2022 at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall.
Mara Ilze Velitis was born January 26, 1940 in Jelgava, Zemgale, Latvia. In her youth, she endured the hardships of war, displacement, and the death of her brother, Aris. In 1944, her family was evacuated to Dresden, Germany. Following the war, they were sent to a displaced persons camp where they made the most of the difficult circumstances. Mara recalled plays her mother would organize with the children in the camps. She emigrated from Bremerhaven, Germany to the United States with her parents and sister Vija aboard the USNS General R.L. Howze, arriving in New York, NY on May 15, 1950. The family lived first in Sledge, MS, working as sharecroppers, and for a time in Milwaukee, WI, before settling in southern California.
Mara became a naturalized US Citizen May 8, 1959. On August 9, 1959 she married Donald E. Beckwith in Los Angeles. After their marriage, they moved back to Don’s home state of Nebraska. They had four children before settling in Wagner in 1969, and welcomed their fifth child in 1973.
After her marriage to Don ended, Mara remained in Wagner and continued to be involved in the community and her church. She was proud to live and raise her family in South Dakota. She later met Paul Stogsdill who became her dear companion of 35+ years.
Mara loved her jobs as lunch lady and bus driver, earning the nickname “Speedy” from the students. In 1988, she began her favorite role in life – that of Grandmother. At the time, she was also working at Casey’s General Store. Her grandchildren would often visit her at work, which led to her being known to them as “Grandma Casey”. She loved her grandchildren and enjoyed every opportunity to support them in their activities.
Mara was always on the go! You could often find her at garage sales and thrift stores, on a country road hunting asparagus, or riding around with Paul in his antique cars. Each year, she delighted in visiting the Capitol Christmas Trees in Pierre. In 2007, her family surprised her with a tree decorated in her honor. If you caught her at home, she was most likely reading or doing a jigsaw puzzle. She also loved to collect amber jewelry and blue glass.
Mara will be remembered for her lovely smile, strong work ethic, and caring spirit.
She was preceded in death by her longtime companion Paul Stogsdill; her son Eugene D. Beckwith; her parents Janis and Olga (Dabolis) Velitis; brothers: Valdis and Aris Velitis; sister Vija Brants; sister-in-law Carol Velitis; brotherin- law Martins Brants; nephews: Karl and Mike Velitis; and Maris Brants.
She is survived by her four children: Jan (John) Bentzen of Tabor, Paul (Lu Anne) Beckwith of Pierre, Susan (Sean) Baker of Yorktown, VA, and Ann Leah Naber of rural Vermillion; daughterin- law Carla Beckwith of Aurora; 13 grandchildren: Jackie (Tony) Jacobson, Sara (Steve) Menning, Charlie Bentzen (Lindsey Biggs), Erica (Justin) Hunt, Andrea (Rob) Logterman, DJ (Shelby) Beckwith, Cassie Beckwith, Evan (Mary) Baker, Shane (Kayla) Baker, Jaden Baker, Rachel (Joshua) Smith, Alexis Beckwith (Kyle Jakopak), and Lauren Hansen; nine great-grandchildren: Josie, Raymond, Silas, Leo, Deacon, Ryder, Madison, Emma, and Liam; several other nieces and nephews including special niece Mara Allen; as well as Paul’s daughter and grandson, Paulette and Adam Ford.