Wayne Becklund

Wayne Gregory Becklund was born December 20, 1923 in Almont, ND, the son of Nels and Beatrice (Williamson) Becklund. He grew up in Almont where he graduated from high school. Wayne taught himself the art of watch making. He moved to Minneapolis, MN and in 1940 opened his own watch making business. This business became Becklund Jewelers and eventually grew into three different locations, Minneapolis, Crystal and Minnetonka. Wayne became a respected watchmaker and diamond setter. He and Frances operated the business together for many years and developed a large clientele. These customers respected Wayne?s honesty, fairness and superior workmanship. After fifty-five years of operating the stores Wayne turned them over to his sons, Gregory and Jeffrey. The clientele that Wayne and Frances built continue to patronize Becklund Jewelers. Wayne?s sons see this patronage as a tribute to their father?s skill and integrity. In 1998 Wayne and Frances moved to a home on Lake Carlos, north of Alexandria, MN. He set up a watch making shop at home and continued working with his sons until 2007. Wayne?s work was his hobby; he loved practicing the art of watch making. Wayne also enjoyed photography for many years. He also had a collection of audio equipment, tape recording machines and was even able to cut 78 rpm records. On Saturday, August 8, 2009 Wayne died at the age of eighty-five years. His parents and one brother, Warren Becklund, preceded him in death. Wayne is survived by his wife, Frances Becklund of Alexandria, MN; two sons Gregory Becklund and wife, Brigetta, of Bloomington, MN and Jeffrey Becklund and wife, Jill, of Minneapolis; six grandchildren, Erika Mayshar and husband, Jonathan, Marie Tromburg and husband, Jacob, Kristen Becklund, Laura Becklund, Jeffrey Becklund and Scott Becklund; one great grandson, Jude Tromburg; two brothers, Thornton Becklund and wife, Janice, of Pelican Rapids, MN and Roger Becklund and wife, Sarah, of Manitowish Waters, WI; one sister, Eileen Friberg and husband, Bertil, of Golden Valley, MN; and one sister-in-law, Gloria Becklund of Florida. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 PM, Monday, August 17, 2009 at Shalom Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Rev. Grant Aaseng, Rev. Rollen Halvorson and Rev. James Oakland will officiate. Virginia Hegre will provide music. Interment will follow in the Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at church. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home.