Loren "Babe" Milton Bekkerus

Loren “Babe” Bekkerus was born June 25, 1958, in Fargo, ND; son of Rosalynn “Rose” and Gordon “Gordy” Bekkerus. Babe passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer on Sunday, June 12, 2022, at his lake home under the care of Hospice, surrounded by family.

Babe grew up in Detroit Lakes, where he graduated from Detroit Lakes High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Moorhead State University (MSU). After college, Babe completed his CPA. He then worked closely with his older brother, Bob, in an accounting firm. Although he was using his degree to its full potential, his mind was elsewhere, so he followed his passion and went into the family ski business.

Much of Babe’s life intertwined with Detroit Mountain (DM). As a young boy, Babe’s love for skiing developed at DM and was blessed to be able to ski without bounds. As he grew older, Babe learned and managed all aspects of the ski area. He did it all, including those all-nighters making snow. He could tell many stories about how water and sub-zero temperatures don’t mix. Thank goodness he had summers off for golf and softball when he wasn’t busy running the cat and moving dirt at the mountain! In 1993, Babe, his brothers, and nephews, took off for Lassen State Park near Susanville, California to tear down a triple chairlift and erect it once again at DM. With the help of a helicopter, and some hair-raising moments, they got it done!

Babe was an excellent all-around athlete. He excelled at everything from baseball, basketball, football, softball, and golf. His passion for baseball allowed him to play for the DL High School, MSU and the DL Angels amateur teams. Washington Park in DL was his favorite place to play ball. Babe also enjoyed slowing it down and played softball with his friends and brother Bob for many years. His teams were always competitive and won several league titles and district tournaments. Golf was another of Babe’s hobbies where he played on a men’s league at Detroit Country Club. When he teed off, you took notice.

In 1991 he met Cindy, his life partner of 31 years, and made his home in Pelican Rapids. They had two children together, Cody and Alexa Bekkerus. He worked as a site manager for Packers Sanitation (PSSI) at West Central Turkeys for 19 years.

Despite working nights at the plant, he did not miss an opportunity to support his children. Babe shared his love of sports and competition with his children and watched them thrive in their activities. He not only taught them how to compete but also shared his love of the game. He and his children spent many rounds on the golf course as their love for the sport grew. Babe loved his children and helped them to succeed in sports and life.

Babe cherished his lake home on Lida with his family. Here, he found another love and passion, landscaping. Babe loved his yard and knew how to perfect it. Most days you could find him on either a lawn mower, watering grass, or fertilizing to make the lawn impeccable with zero weeds and perfect lush green grass. However, his landscaping did not start with the grass. Babe had an eye for creating the best environment for a pristine lawn, and he knew it began with perfectly placed trees. The tree he treasured most was the beauty of a fully grown Eastern White Pine. When the day was over Babe could be found relaxing on the deck with a Moscow mule admiring his lawn and looking at the lake.

Babe is survived by his life partner, Cindy Trane, Pelican Rapids, MN; his children, Cody Bekkerus, Fargo, ND, and Alexa Bekkerus, Pelican Rapids, MN; his sister, Cindy Bye, Moorhead, MN; his brothers, Bob (Bonnie) Bekkerus, Detroit Lakes, MN; Gary (Ella) Bekkerus, Park Rapids, MN; Joel Bekkerus, Moorhead, MN; John (Mary) Bekkerus, Frazee, MN; and many nieces and nephews.  Babe is preceded in death by his parents and brother in-law, Curt Bye.

There will be a visitation at Faith Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids, MN, on Friday, June 24, 2022, from 5:30-7:30, with a prayer service to follow.  

Please keep Loren's family in your thoughts and prayers.