Ernest “Ernie” L. Beckett, III

PORTAGE –  Ernest “Ernie” L. Beckett, III, age 61, of Portage, passed away on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at Divine Savior Healthcare Hospital.

He was born on September 13, 1949 in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of Ernest Lloyd and Thelma Swenson.  Ernie served his country with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.  He worked for many years as a machinist at Ray-O-Vac.  Ernie was a great cook and loved cooking for everyone.  He loved guns, hunting, fishing, camping, building hot rods, wood-working and socializing in his garage.  Ernie especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his three children, Tara (Tom) Ashley, Portage, Brenda (Dave Kripps) Beckett, Portage, and Scott (Tammy) Beckett, Reedsburg;  his former wife, Pamela Beckett, Portage;  his grandchildren, Leann Beckett, Portage, Carter and Isabel Ashley, Portage, Danielle (Dan O’Leary) Beckett, Chicago, and Samantha (Ryan Monti) Beckett, Baraboo;  his great-grandson, Braedon Monti, Baraboo;  his sisters, Carolanne Thyen, Hamilton, Ohio, Judy Beckett, Hamilton, Ohio, and Tammy Beckett, Portage;  his brothers, Brent (Cathy) Beckett, Portage, and Richard (Carol) Beckett, Portage;  his constant canine companion, Bert;  many nieces, nephews and other friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Thelma Beckett, his brother, Neil, and his sister, Lana Bender.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, with the Rev. Tom Countryman officiating.  Military honors will be provided by Portage area veterans.  Inurnment will be private.  Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Divine Savior Healthcare Hospital, Dr. Krumpos and Dr. Escobedo.