COLUMBUS
Kirk David Beckstein, 63, of Columbus, passed away on February 23, 2023, at the Silver Oaks Health Campus in Columbus, Indiana. He was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Eugene and Anne Beckstein on September 28, 1959. Kirk was united in marriage to Julie on May 11, 1996.
Kirk graduated from Indiana University and was a proud Hoosier. He later graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Master’s Degree in Teaching. Early on, Kirk served as the Vice President of Sales for Visitec Company in Sarasota, Florida, and was the Senior Technical Training Developer for Cummins in Columbus, Indiana. He also was employed at Columbus North High School as Teacher’s Assistant. He was an active member at Fairlawn Presbyterian Church.
One of Kirk’s passions was adoption. He and Julie fostered, provided respite, and adopted many kids through the years. The goal was always to give kids the love and joy and belonging that they truly deserved. He was also a totally unique individual who didn’t mind standing out in a crowd (which he easily did at 6’4). He had a completely wicked sense of humor and loved classic rock and Monty Python.
One of his last wishes was to leave this world with blue hair (thanks to our daughters Lizzi and Sarah). Kirk enjoyed anything mechanical, especially trucks and tractors, reading repair manuals, restoring sewing machines, rescuing cats, and going on cruises. He especially adored his beautiful mom, Anne, and proudly would admit to always having been a “Mama’s Boy.”
Kirk is survived by his wife, Julie, and their kids; Thomas, Henry, Rory, Samuel, Isaac, and Savannah, of Columbus, Indiana, Elizabeth and Sarah Eifel of Cleveland, Ohio; his parents Eugene and Anne Beckstein of Sarasota, Florida; his brother and sister-in-law Bruce and Lisa Beckstein and their children Graham and Carter of Sarasota; his sisters; Julie and Butch Ovens along with their children Matthew and Hunter and grandson Easton; Leslie and Russ Tilton and their children Brice and Hayley, also of Sarasota.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home.
In keeping with Kirk’s wishes, cremation has been chosen. We ask that everyone please do at least one random act of kindness in honor of our Kirk. Let’s spread some good around the world!
Donations in Kirk’s honor may be directed through the funeral home to Love Without Boundaries as Foster Care and Adoption were near and dear to Kirk’s heart.
You are invited to leave a message of condolence to the family, and light a virtual candle of remembrance online at www.jewellrittman.com.
