Otto, known to family and friends as “Dutch,” passed away from cancer February 10, 2016. Dutch was born in Toledo, Ohio, July 3, 1933, the only child of Otto and Marie Beckhoff.
He graduated from the University of Toledo in 1956 and later received his master’s degree from George Washington University while serving in the U.S. Army.
He married Carolyn Halker, of Toledo, in 1956, and together they began his military career. Dutch served in Germany, Vietnam and many United States posts. Upon his retirement as a lieutenant colonel, the family settled in Williamsburg.
Dutch worked in the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools as an administrator for many years. After that retirement, he was a site coordinator for the Elderhostel program at the College of William and Mary. He was an active member of the Kiwanis Club in Williamsburg, volunteering in the community. Dutch was a longtime volunteer for FISH, Inc. of Williamsburg.
Dutch was a kind and loving husband, father and grandfather. He was our family’s rock and anchor, and we will miss him deeply.
Dutch is survived by Carolyn, his wife of 59 years; his son, Thomas Beckhoff, and daughter-in-law, Sharon; his daughter, Kristina Robertson; and his grandchildren, Chandler, Mark, Erin and Austin. Dutch loved being a part of Carolyn’s larger extended family and is survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law including Ken and Joanne Hagan, Richard and Marilyn Halker, Thomas and Judy Halker, Angela and Bill Woodward, Ellen and Tom Schick; many nieces and nephews; and all his friends who so enriched his life.
Visitation will be at Saint Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, on Tuesday, February 16, from 1 to 2 p.m. Mass will be at 2 p.m. followed by a reception. Dutch will be buried with military honors in Toledo, Ohio.
Memorial contributions may be made to Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg, FISH of Williamsburg, or Saint Bede Catholic Church Outreach.
Please leave online condolences for the family at Nelsen Funeral Home.
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