Lawrence "Larry" J. Beckert Jr.

Lawrence ‘Larry’ J. Beckert, Jr. age 91, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of family and friends. Born on August 12, 1934, in Alton, Illinois, Larry lived a long and rich life - one marked by curiosity and an appreciation for the simple joys that made each day worth enjoying. Throughout his many years, he embraced life with humor and resilience. Larry spent his career following his dad’s legacy at Owens Illinois (OI), starting out pushing a broom in the Alton plant. When his family moved to Toledo, Ohio, he transferred from Northwestern University to the University of Toledo – where he received his Bachelor of Science in Engineering. He continued to work for Owens-Illinois and moved and traveled extensively as an engineer and plant manager for the company. He lived and worked in OI plants in Ohio, West Virginia, New Jersey before moving to Venezuela as a plant superintendent and then to Brazil as a manufacturing manager. After returning to the states, Larry went on to work for OI in Colombia and Puerto Rico and traveled to Europe and Canada. Larry was instrumental in the development of the 41 Process which helped modernize bottle manufacturing. When he retired after 40 plus years, Larry continued to consult back to the South American division. He retired as a Vice President of International Operations and settled in Maumee, Ohio with his wife Judy. They enjoyed many summers and winters at their cottage at Higgins Lake, Michigan. A man of many interests, Larry found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He was never happier than when he was out on the golf course with friends or family, navigating the waters on a sunny Michigan afternoon at Devils Lake and later Higgins Lake, playing softball, watching his Detroit Tigers play baseball, or adding a new find to his ever growing stamp collection of places he lived or visited. Larry’s HO train layout— focused on German engines and scenery, was meticulously built, lovingly expanded, and always a work in progress. It reflected his patience, creativity, and the childlike wonder he never lost. He also enjoyed being outdoors and feeding the neighborhood squirrels and birds. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Skeg and Grace (Fowler) Beckert; son, Tom (Valerie Neel); and brother-in-law, Tim Mickens. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Judy (Mickens); daughters, Linda Mahoney (Juanita Vasquez) and Julie Beckert; granddaughters, Lauren DeAcetis (Dennis), Helen Brannigan (Michael), Evie Beckert and Anne Beckert (Brandon King); and his great grandchildren, Brady, Cooper, Isabelle and Jack. Larry also had a close relationship with his wife Judy’s, family including her brother, David (Patty) Mickens; sister, Cathy (John) Harrigan; and their children and grandchildren. Larry leaves behind a legacy not only of love, but of a life well lived. He followed his curiosities, nurtured his passions, and filled his days with the things that brought him joy. In the end, he lived the life he wanted - steady, full, and true to who he was - and those who knew him will carry that spirit forward in their own lives. To celebrate Larry’s life and the legacy he leaves behind, the family invites memorial contributions to any non-profit agency or to one of these wonderful organizations: The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School (Henderson, KY), Equality Toledo (Toledo, OH), or Northwest Ohio Foodbank. Thank you for helping carry his spirit forward with your kindness. A special thank you to the amazing staff at Kingston of Perrysburg. Larry has made the precious decision to donate his body to UTMC. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, June 15th from 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm at Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 W. Sylvania Ave., where a short memorial service will begin at 5:30 pm.

Lawrence "Larry" J. Beckert Jr.

August 12, 1934 - April 22, 2026