Florian Blaze Beckett passed into the arms of Our Lord, unexpectedly, on April 15, 2023, in Petoskey, Michigan.
He was born in Goodrich, Michigan, to Lester and Leone (Koronka) Beckett, on June 16, 1947. Florian attended St. Mary Elementary School in Gaylord, Michigan, and completed his education at St. Francis Xavier High School in Petoskey, Michigan.
Florian was inducted into the United States Army on April 26, 1968. While on patrol in Vietnam, on October 5, 1969, his jeep was blown up by a hostile landmine. In November of 1969, Florian was awarded the Purple Heart and a Medal of Commendation for injuries received. He carried shrapnel in his body his entire life.
Throughout his life, Florian was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting, fishing, hiking, scuba diving, and kayaking. He was always exploring nature. Mountain photography was his passion and he traveled throughout the United States and Canada creating a fantastic collection.
Florian is survived by his mother, Leone Beckett; brother, Errol (Kathleen Rautio) Beckett; and sister, LaVonne (Thomas) VerBurg. He is also survived by Elizabeth Beckett, Marie (Ricardo) Ramirez, Kathy Beckett, Shelly Beckett, Kim Beckett, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Florian was preceded in death by his father, Lester Beckett; sister, Sue Whyte; brother-in-law, Denny Whyte; and niece, Anna May Bosma.
Florian will forever be loved and missed by his family and friends.
A graveside committal service will be held on June 10, 2023, at 3:00 p.m., at St. Mary Cemetery on M-32 East, in Gaylord, Michigan.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, Michigan 49734.
3 comments on “Florian B. Beckett”
Beckett family, sorry for loss, I went school with Florian, lost contact over the years but always had a special place for grade school buddies. Will pray for your family.
Vic & Connie Ouellette
Thank you Vic & Connie,
Even though we lose contact, Florian would talk about his connections of school friends. Thank you for your prayers and kind words. I will pass them on to our mother.
Sincerely,
Marie (sister)
May God Bess all of the Beckett family and send healing Angels to watch over you all and give you comfort through this time of mourning. I am so sorry you lost your Son, Brother, Uncle and Friend. Florian will be missed.
I am sorry for your loss.
Love always,
Dawn