Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Mr. Bekkers was one of those truly unforgettable teachers who shaped not just how we learned, but how we thought. I was lucky to have him for homeroom, chemistry, and biology at St. Mary's Rural High and I’ll always remember his dry, quirky sense of humor and his no-nonsense approach in the classroom. He had a remarkable way of making space for curiosity. If you genuinely wanted to learn, he gave you all the time in the world.
He was also held in the high regard in our home. I smile thinking about how he would practice his German with my mother during parent-teacher meetings or when he would see her. It was such a small but meaningful reflection of who he was: thoughtful, dedicated, and quietly engaging.
He made a lasting impact on so many of us, and I feel very grateful to have been one of his students. He will be deeply missed.
