Floyd Beukelman, age 88, of Sioux Falls, SD, formerly of Leota, died Saturday, December 10, 2016, at the Avera Prince of Peace Care Center, in Sioux Falls, SD. He was born May 4, 1928, on a farm southwest of Leota, to Arie (Ed) and Minnie (Eernisse) Beukelman. He attended country school near Leota.

On June 20, 1950, he and Elda Mesman were united in marriage.  They had 4 children and celebrated 53 years together until her unexpected death in November 2003.

Floyd and Elda farmed north of Leota and he also drove milk truck part-time. In 1979, he retired from farming and was employed by Country Lumber for 18 years.

In 1997, he was involved in a serious truck accident in which he was critically injured. He was hospitalized for 5 months and was partially disabled.  Elda was his primary caregiver until her death. At that time, volunteers from the Leota community stepped up and helped with his care so he could remain in his home for almost 10 years.

Despite his physical disabilities, he pursued his love of woodworking by crafting items for family and friends.

In July of 2013, Floyd moved to Edgebrook Estates Assisted Living in Edgerton, Minnesota where he lived for 12 months.  As his needs increased, he moved to Prince of Peace in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he resided for 2 ½ years.

Floyd was an active lifetime member of Leota Bethel Reformed Church where he served in many capacities.  He enjoyed music & sang in church choir and was a member of the men's quartet for over 40 years. Christ became real to him later in life. Because of the tragic events in his life, he learned to depend more on Christ.

He is survived by his four children, Kenneth (Barb) of Burnsville, Minnesota, Karen (George) Fish of Platte, South Dakota, Keith (Roberta) of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Kathleen (Hal) Davenport of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; grandchildren, Amy (Mike) Greminger, Andrea Beukelman, Theresa (Dave) Barnes, Colleen (Keith) Hurlbut, Steph Fish, James (Christy McCauley) Beukelman, Jonathan (Tiffany) Beukelman, Scott (Katy) Davenport and Jason (Jess Riley) Davenport;;and 20 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elda; his parents; 2 grandchildren; Tim Fish and Nicole Westerhuis; and 6 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 6-8 pm Monday at the Bethel Reformed Church in Leota. Funeral will be 10:30 am Tuesday at the Bethel Reformed Church in Leota. Burial will be in the Leota Community Cemetery.

The Leota Burial Association & Dingmann Funeral Home are in charge of arrangements.

To view an online obituary, sign a virtual register book, or order flowers, please visit www.dingmannandsons.com