Donald Charles Beckfeld

Donald Charles Beckfeld , 81 of Mesilla, NM, passed away Tuesday March 2, 2010 at La Posada Hospice. He was born July 23, 1928 in Denver CO to the union of Lloyd Beckfeld and Frances Allchin. Don served his country honorably in the United States Navy from 1948-1952 as a member of the Navy band, playing trumpet on the U.S.S. Manchester and U.S.S. St. Paul, and traveling to ports in China, Japan and Korea. He was married to Norvallyn Austin in 1960. He was employed by the Denver Water Department and the Denver Post, and retired in 1992. He moved to New Mexico in 1997 to be close to his daughter's family. He was a dedicated patron of El Patio where he was known by many as "Papa Don", and loved the music and clientele. He is survived by his daughter, Michelle K. Arterburn and husband Jeffrey B., grandchildren Kara L. Arterburn and L. Sophia Arterburn of Las Cruces, Talia Farrell, James Farrell and wife Heather, and great grandchild Jostyn Farrell of Aurora, CO, brother Richard Beckfeld and wife LaVonne of Denver and daughters Sandy and Cyndi. A celebration of his life and remembrance of his love for jazz will be held from 2-4pm at Lorenzo's in Mesilla on Saturday March 20, 2010. PDF Printable Version