Roger L. Beckert, 64, of Burlington died at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, January 8, 2009, at Great River Hospice House in West Burlington.

            Born May 10, 1944 in Fort Madison, he was the son of Wilfred and Gertrude Brinkschroeder Beckert.  On March 18, 1983 he married Karen Hulse Fillmore in First Christian Church (Disciples) in Burlington.

            Mr. Beckert was a 1963 graduate of Aquinas High School and completed the Southeast Community College Auto Body Course in 2001 with honors.  He was a Vietnam Army veteran stationed in Germany in 1965 and 66.

            Mr. Beckert was a diesel truck mechanic for 35 years.  He worked in auto body and most recently at American Ordnance. 

            Mr. Beckert attended both St. Paul’s Catholic Church and First Christian Church (Disciples).  He taught Sunday school and M&M Club at First Christian Church (Disciples) for 27 years.  He was a member of Phi Theta Kappa High Honor Fraternity.  He enjoyed working on cars, gardening, taking care of his tomatoes and fishing with his grandchildren and children.

            Survivors include his wife, Karen Beckert of Burlington; one daughter, Wendy (Andy) Ivkovic of Chicago, Illinois; two sons, Jeff (Tammy) Beckert of St. Joseph, Missouri and A.J. Beckert of Fort Madison; one step son, Kory (Becky) Fillmore of Burlington; two step daughters Kara (Todd) Reyes of Burlington and Kendra (Jamie) Huntington of Mediapolis; ten grandchildren, Kirsten, Derek, Noah, Parker, Devin, Kassidy, Katlyn, Koltin, Kristian, and Kobe; one brother, Randy Beckert of Fort Madison; three nieces, Nicole, Jamie and Jessica; and one brother-in-law, Jim Gray.

            His parents preceded him in death.