Edward Beckers

Lifetime Hibbing resident Ed L. Beckers died at home peacefully on July 9th after a long de-
cline in health.

Ed is preceded in death by his parents Matthew and Amelia Beckers, as well as by his sister
Patricia Madich.
He is survived by his loving wife Molly Fritz-Beckers, who has been at his side as constant
caregiver for many months; his sons Ryan and Reid, both of California; grandson Kayden;
brother Dave of Grand Rapids; ex-wife Judy of Northfield; his nieces Danielle of the Twin Cities
and Joelle Beckers Holsman of Grand Rapids, his nephews Ross (Joyel) of Baxter and Kent
(Lisa Marie) of Maple Grove; cousins Fred and Becky Rhodes of Prior Lake; and many dear
friends across the country.
Ed’s lifelong commitments to family and friends, as well as to his community, leaves a unique
legacy.
To Hibbing High School friends he and Dave were familiar faces at their dad’s service station
on Howard Street. From this experience Ed became a car lover, drag racer and member of the
Hibbing Timing Association car club.
After earning his degree from Bemidji State, Ed became the teacher at Chisholm High School
who helped introduce generations of students to literature like Macbeth and Lewis Carroll. A

legendary Trivial Pursuit player, he coached the CHS Knowledge Bowl team and was a ques-
tion reader at meets across the region.

To drag racers across the midwest, he was a hot-rodder competing in everything from a blaz-
ing fast burnt-orange Road Runner to a not-so-powerful ‘77 Chevy Nova.

To his teammates on the Hibbing Salvage and Supply softball team, he was team captain and
pitcher/target who led the squad to countless wins (and by countless, we mean about 12) over
the years.

To the many viewers of local public access TV, he was a familiar face and voice, hosting every-
thing from Bluejacket football games to the Side Lake Independence Day Parade—the latter

often with Molly as his co-host. His sports punditry show with partners Tom Tintor and Mike
Egan entertained many on Saturday mornings in the 1990s.
To the Greater Mesabi Men’s Book Club, he was a founder and leader for many years, though it
is said he never once “picked a decent book.”
To many, he and Molly are known for hosting epic gatherings during “Dylan Days” at their
home.
Ed eventually transitioned from racing cars to riding bikes, participating in the committee to
construct the Mesabi Trail, then forming a local cycling club. He helped plan the route for Jim
Klobuchar’s annual endurance bike ride around the state. In his later years he was well-known
in town for riding his recumbent bikes.
Recently, a rest-stop bench was installed along the Mesabi Trail in Ed’s honor. It may be seen
on the trail in Chisholm near the head frame mining structure off Hwy 169.
Ed’s many passions earned him friends from all walks of life, and made his family proud. He
really was Hibbing’s “Renaissance Man.”

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30AM on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Hibbing.  Father Daniel Weiske will officiate mass.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to mass at church at 10:30AM.  Interment will take place immediately after mass at Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing.  Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.