Emil Edward Beckmann was born June 3, 1931, to Alwin and Eva Beckmann and has the honor of being the first Klappenbach great-grandchild. Emil died July 18, 2009, after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.

Emil graduated from Blanco High School in 1949 and worked with his dad for several years on the ranch before entering the Army on July 14, 1954, and was honorably discharged on January 18, 1956.

Emil was preceded in death by his parents, Alwin and Eva Beckmann; one son, Bruce Bryan Beckmann, in 1994; and his faithful companion and friend, Muffin, in 2008. He is survived by his wife, Medora, of 51 years; daughter-in-law, Trena Beckmann of Amarillo; sister, Anita Smitherman and husband Joe; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Emil married Medora Liesmann at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Blanco, Texas, on December 20, 1957. Emil graduated from Southwest Texas, San Marcos, Texas, with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1960. He was employed by First National Bank, San Marcos, Texas, first as a teller and then Vice President of Operation until his retirement in 1980. Emil later, in 1981, worked for Cornwell Tool Company and retired in 1993. In 1984, after his father passed away, he took up working the ranch, raising Hereford cattle, and selling the F-1 heifers. This was something he truly enjoyed, along with traveling with Medora and Muffin in their fifth wheel. They also traveled the United States, Canada and Alaska on tours. Emil was baptized and he and Medora joined Trinity Lutheran Church in March 1985.

Emil had numerous hobbies. He first built and flew radio-controlled airplanes, was known as Deputy Dog on the airways, and friends knew he was on the air when he keyed on his Browning Golden Eagle. He also loaded shells for his many rifles.

While working on the ranch, Emil purchased various pieces of equipment, not only to work the land, but to feed the cattle. One of his favorites was his 4-wheeler because Muffin could ride in the box and bark while they checked on the cattle. Muffin also rode in the tractor in the wintertime to feed the cattle.

It was truly a hard decision, but a necessary one, to sell the equipment and the cattle due to his declining health.

The family wishes to acknowledge the loving care and dedication of Emil by Debby Pope. Also grateful to Carol Boyd, Serenity Drum, Joe Massey, Chaplain Richard Vandeventer, and all of Fredericksburg Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, PO Box 487, Blanco, Texas 78606, Blanco Fire Department, Hospice of Fredericksburg, or a charity of your choice.

Visitation was on July 20, 2009, at Crofts Funeral Home from 5:00 to 7:00pm. Service was held at Crofts Funeral Home on July 21, 2009, officiated by Pastor Dan Ofsdahl at 10:00am. Burial will be at the Blanco Cemetery in Blanco, Texas.