Gertrude "Babe" Beckmann

Gertrude L. “Babe” Beckmann, 84, of South Sioux City, NE, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at a local hospital.  A funeral service will be held Friday, March 6 at 11:00 A.M. at Mohr & Becker Hunt Funeral Home, with a visitation from 9-11:00 A.M. at the funeral home.  Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Walthill, NE.

Gertrude “Babe” Rager Beckmann, daughter of John and Leafie (Babcock) Swick, was born in South Sioux City, NE on September 16, 1935.  As a child she grew up and received her education in Dakota City, NE

She was united in marriage with Delbert Rager in 1953.  She later then married Victor Beckmann in 1974. 

She enjoyed her flowers and gardening.  She collected dolls and frogs.  She put on many fish frys for her friends and family.  She enjoyed traveling when she could.  She loved playing cards and could beat anyone in “Race Horse Pitch.”

Survivors include her sons: Danny (Lillian) Rager, Dakota City, NE; Derrel Rager, South Sioux City, NE; and Dennis Sweetman, Edison, New Jersey; seven grandchildren: Corey, Kyle (Jenni), Carl (Tammie), DJ (Mari), Dennis (Victoria), Matthieu & Amber; and 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Susan (Leonard) Gant, Parsons, TN and brother John (Mary) Swick, Dakota City, NE; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sisters: Grace Dunham and Sally Welsh; and brother, Archer Swick; and half-brothers: Melvin and Melton; and half-sisters: Alice and Iola.