Arnold Matthew Beckman

Arnold M. “Arnie” Beckman, age 90 of Nebraska City, NE passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the Ambassador in Nebraska City.

Arnold Matthew Beckman was born on July 3, 1935 in Iowa City, IA.  He was the son of Otto and Lucy (Loew) Beckman.  He attended school and graduated from Auburn High School in Auburn, IA with the Class of 1953.  He later attended business school in Omaha, NE. 

On June 16, 1955, he entered the United States Army and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge on May 28, 1957.  During his time in the service, he served in the Far East Command Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan and received the Commendation Ribbon.

He was united in marriage to Elizabeth F. “Betty” Vanderheiden on October 18, 1958 in Mt. Carmel, IA and to this union two daughters were born: Patti and Diane.

He began working for Ocoma Foods in 1958 and continued with the company until 1969 when he accepted a job at the former Midwest Federal Savings and Loan in Nebraska City.  In 1991, he changed careers and began working for the Nebraska City Housing Authority until his retirement in 1998.

Arnie was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a Knights of Columbus including the 4th Degree.  He served in various capacities at St. Mary’s Church including as an acolyte, lector, usher, choir member and on the parish council.  He was also a member of American Legion Post #8 and served as a board member of the Nebraska City Baseball Association.  Some of his fondest memories are of his fish outings with his grandson and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.  He also enjoyed gardening and golfing.

He is survived by his daughters:  Patti Vacha (Pat) of Omaha, NE and Diane Denniston (Brent) of Peru, NE; two grandchildren: Gregory Denniston (Sarah) of Surprise, AZ and Rachel Valdez (Michael) of Mesa, AZ; three great-grandchildren: McKenna Denniston, Maverick Denniston and Jameson Valdez; other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Betty on January 15, 2008, his parents and a sister Mary Alice.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Nebraska City with Fr. Jonah Brox celebrating the Mass.  Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Nebraska City with Military Honors conducted by the Nebraska Army National Guard Funeral Honors Detail and Talmage American Legion.

Memorials may be directed to the Nebraska City Baseball Association or St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

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