CAP Remembers Sioux Falls Composite Squadron Flight Scholarship Benefactor

Rosemary Beuckens, of Sioux Falls, died October 8th at Ava’s Hospice House in Sioux Falls. She had been a long-term contributor to CAP’s Sioux Falls Composite Squadron for flight scholarships for cadet (youth) members.

Buckens and her husband, Francis, lost their son, Brett, a professional pilot, in 2010 in a flying accident. In memory, they established the flight scholarship memorial, allowing Sioux Falls Composite Squadron cadets to begin their flying career.

“Rosemary’s strong commitment to the fund over the years has personally encouraged, and taken great personal joy in seeing each cadet to achieve their flight goals,” said Chaplain Gary W. Rae, Lt. Col., CAP, the Sioux Falls Composite Squadron chaplain. “Her spirit and encouragement and generosity will be greatly missed by the SFCS.”

Rosemary’s driving passion saw many cadets receive enough funds to help them solo. Among the most recent recipients, one cadet has not only earned his private license, but commercial, instrument, CFI ratings and is a CAP Mission Pilot; another soloed on her 16th birthday; a third is still advancing in her instruction; and a recent recipient soloed at CAP’s National Flight Academy this summer.

Visitation, with the family present, will be held at Miller Funeral Home (downtown location) 507 South Main Avenue from 5-7pm on Thursday, October 14th, with a prayer service at 6 pm. Funeral Mass will be at St. Michael Catholic Church on Friday, October 15th at 11am with burial at Woodlawn Cemetery.