Manny Beckmann

MANNY BECKMANN, famed Minnesota athlete, coach and teacher passed away on Friday, June 3, 2016 in Waseca at the age of 85.

Born on April 29, 1931 in Wells, Minnesota, he was the son of Eli and Meta Beckmann.  Manny graduated from Wells High School in 1950 where he was an All-State quarterback in football, 3rd team All-American quarterback in 1949 and where he earned 12 letters in football, basketball, track, and baseball.  He attended Mankato State University where he was the only athlete to earn 11 collegiate letters in football, basketball, and track.  In 1952 he earned the M.S.C.C. Most Valuable Player Award-Quarterback and held the title for most passing and rushing yards for MSU for 15 years.  In 1952 he was recognized as Athlete of the Year by the City of Mankato.

Manny spent his entire employment career (1954 – 1992) teaching History and Social Studies at Waseca High School.   He was head basketball coach for 38 years and head track coach for 35 years.   He was an extremely successful coach, winning Minnesota Coach of the Year honor in 1975.

His Hall of Fame Honors include:  Mankato State University Athletic Hall of Fame, 1981; Minnesota State High School League Hall of Fame, Inaugural Class, 1991; Minnesota Basketball Association Hall of Fame, 1992; Waseca High School Athletic Hall of Fame, Inaugural Class, 2005 and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Hall of Fame, 2010.  Other honors and awards:   WCCO Radio Prep Parade Coach of the Year, 1975 and State of Minnesota Proclamation, Manny Beckmann Day, April 25, 1991. 

Manny was an avid duck and pheasant hunter and a longtime member of Ducks Unlimited, assisting in beginning the Waseca Chapter.  Summers were dedicated to golf at Lakeside Golf Course and Saturday mornings to the informal “Board” meetings at Charlie’s Hardware.  Manny Beckmann was noted and remembered not only because of his winning successes, but because he was a great team builder.   His players and parents respected his influence building student character, professionalism, while always stressing the fun of participation.   Manny was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Waseca.

Manny leaves behind, his wife Patricia Beckmann of Waseca; three sons, Scott and Diane Beckmann of Waseca and their two sons, Timothy and Kelly Beckmann and children, Payton and Jameson and Andrew Beckmann, Todd and Darla Beckmann of Grantsburg, WI, and Edward and Elizabeth Beckmann of Bloomington and their children, James Manny, Peter Edward, and Nora Elizabeth Beckmann.  He was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers and five sisters.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 6, 2016 from 4-8 PM at Grace Lutheran Church in Waseca and will continue on Tuesday, one hour before services at the church.

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