Bruce Beckert
June 22, 1929 - May 13, 2025
Obituary
Bruce Arthur Beckert, born June 22, 1929 to Mildred (Vasold) and Arthur Beckert in Saginaw, Michigan passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at the age of 95. He is survived by his loving wife of 74 years Nancy, and daughters Linda, Sandy Whitley (m. Phillip), Anne, and son Eric (m. Nancy). His daughter Carol (David) pre-deceased him in 2015. He had 12 Grandchildren, 9 Great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
Bruce graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1947 and Michigan State with a degree in Physics in 1952.
Bruce worked for General Electrics as a guided missile engineer and transferred to Bell Aircraft as a Terminal Guidance Operator during the X-2 project. He then worked for his Father's company AC Beckert Company, later known as Beckert & Hiester, from which he retired at age 88 in 2017.
Bruce, a pilot from the age of fourteen, flew several single engine aircraft, built two Vans Aircraft airplanes starting the first one in his basement and garage - eventually moving the project to James Clement airport where he also built his second aircraft. He was a pilot for the Young Eagles and donated many hours of flight time in his aircraft to the youth of Saginaw, Michigan. He was active in several Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapters in the Saginaw area.
Bruce was a musician playing trombone, piano, concertina, and tenor banjo. He sang in the Saginaw Barber Shop and Church choirs. He was also an avid scuba diver, active member of Saginaw Underwater Explorers spending time underwater exploring shipwrecks in the Great Lakes as well as Grand Cayman Island and many inland waters of Michigan.
Bruce was a volunteer with Big brothers, served as an airport commissioner, coached youth softball, participated in Toastmasters and was an active member at Faith Lutheran Church.
Bruce will be long remembered for his stories and poems and the generosity of his time and talents.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time.
Memorials in Bruce's honor may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 4432 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, Michigan 48603
Bruce graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1947 and Michigan State with a degree in Physics in 1952.
Bruce worked for General Electrics as a guided missile engineer and transferred to Bell Aircraft as a Terminal Guidance Operator during the X-2 project. He then worked for his Father's company AC Beckert Company, later known as Beckert & Hiester, from which he retired at age 88 in 2017.
Bruce, a pilot from the age of fourteen, flew several single engine aircraft, built two Vans Aircraft airplanes starting the first one in his basement and garage - eventually moving the project to James Clement airport where he also built his second aircraft. He was a pilot for the Young Eagles and donated many hours of flight time in his aircraft to the youth of Saginaw, Michigan. He was active in several Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapters in the Saginaw area.
Bruce was a musician playing trombone, piano, concertina, and tenor banjo. He sang in the Saginaw Barber Shop and Church choirs. He was also an avid scuba diver, active member of Saginaw Underwater Explorers spending time underwater exploring shipwrecks in the Great Lakes as well as Grand Cayman Island and many inland waters of Michigan.
Bruce was a volunteer with Big brothers, served as an airport commissioner, coached youth softball, participated in Toastmasters and was an active member at Faith Lutheran Church.
Bruce will be long remembered for his stories and poems and the generosity of his time and talents.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time.
Memorials in Bruce's honor may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 4432 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, Michigan 48603
Events
There are no events for Bruce yet.
Photos
No photos of Bruce have been shared yet.
Memories
KB
Kathy Bocade
Other •
Dear Beckett Family. We are so sorry to hear about Bruce's passing. We have fond memories of the wonderful times we shared with Bruce at Resurrection Lutheran Church here in Saginaw. May God's loving embrace comfort all of y. God bless. Jim and Kathy (Hanson) Bocade