Larry W. Beckstrom, 75, of Dahinda, IL, formerly of Erie, IL, and Wyoming, IL, died Friday, February 27, 2026, at Betty’s Garden Memory Care, Kewanee, IL.
Larry was born December 10, 1950, in Central City, NE, the son of Vernal and Doris (Wisely) Beckstrom. At age three the family moved to Erie, where he graduated from Erie High School in 1969. He attended Eastern Illinois University and was a member of the TKE Fraternity. He also joined the Air Force Reserves in 1970. Larry married Michele Slocum at the Erie United Methodist Church on June 2, 1979.
He first worked for Tegeler Equipment before being hired at John Deere in the Experimental Department. After ten years with Deere, Larry went to work for Caterpillar, retiring with 20 years of service in 2014.
In his earlier years Larry enjoyed snow skiing out West, duck and goose hunting, playing Slow Pitch Softball and coaching his son’s sports. His favorite teams were the Chicago Bears and Cubs. He and Michele enjoyed traveling and taking cruises together for many years. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and many friends. His grandchildren and their dog meant the world to him.
He is survived by his wife, Michele; son and daughter-in-law, Bryce and Stephanie Beckstrom, Brimfield, IL; grandchildren, Aubrie, Brooklyn, and Barrett Beckstrom; siblings, Diane Daubard, Erie, Rick (Debra) Beckstrom, Morrison, IL, Gary Beckstrom, Erie; brother-in-law, Steve (Kathy) Slocum, Rock Island, IL; several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews; his beloved granddog, Fitz.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, James Daubard.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 6, 2026, at Gibson-Bode Funeral Home, Erie, IL.
Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 5, at the funeral home, and for one hour prior to the service on Friday.
Burial will be in the Erie Cemetery, Erie, IL.
A Celebration of Life will also be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at The Watering Hole, Oak Run, Dahinda, IL.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Share a memory or condolence at www.gibsonbodefh.com.