James "Jim" Beskau

James "Jim" Beskau, age 85, a longtime Hastings area businessman, died peacefully on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at Regina Senior Living of Hastings, following an extended illness. Jim was surrounded by his loving family. James Albert, the son of Herman and Mildred (Schmidt) Beskau, was born on August 3, 1931, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Jims father passed away suddenly when he was only 10 months old and his family then relocated to Roberts, Wisconsin where he graduated from high school. On May 5, 1956, Jim was united in marriage to Elizabeth "Betty" Gergen at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Vermillion. They could often times be found old time dancing and socializing with friends. Jim was a hard-working and dedicated businessman. He first began a milk route in 1957 and eventually branched out into other types of trucking based operations, which are still owned and operated by his family today. Along with that, he was a partner in a large farming operation in the Hastings area. Following his retirement at the age of 65, Jim and Betty enjoyed traveling the country in their motorhome. Jim also began golfing and loved every moment spent on the course. He was a gentle, kind, and humble person and would never forget to say thank you. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert; and daughter-in-law, Mary Beskau. Jim is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty of Hastings; his six sons and their families, Paul (Susan) Beskau and family, Amanda, Brooke (fiance, Andrew) and Laura ( Andrew) Schultz; Gary (Lisa) Beskau and family, Rachel (John) Franke and Allison (Greg) Spakow; Dale (Renee) Beskau and family, Jillayne (Jared) Lazer, Bradley and Meghan (Nicholas) Carlson; Mark (Lori) Beskau and family, Jennifer (Scott) McNamara, Denise (Jordan) Polehna, Nichole Beskau, step grandchildren Nicole, Jackie and Jenna Sorenson and Kristin (Mitch) Leidel; David (Jean) Beskau and family, Katherine (Will) Esser, Sara (Joseph) Lawler, Jaime (fiance, Scott) and Alexandra; Richard (Karen) Beskau and family, Kayla (Garrett) Lucking and Amy; his great grandchildren, Nora, Jack, Elliott, Sage, Brecken, Audrey, Peyton, Parker, Avery, Boden, Axel, Harlow, Nolan, Archer; step great grandchild Parker; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 26, 2016 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Vermillion, with Fr. Cole Kracke officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Friday at Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services, 201 East Seventh Street, Hastings and also one hour prior to the Saturday Mass at church. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, American Heart Association, Hastings Family Service or donor's choice.