Lance Edward Beckert was taken from us unexpectedly on June 30, 2009, to be one of God's new angels. He was born May 6, 1971, in Great Falls and grew up in Helena. He graduated from Capital High School in 1990 and then graduated from Montana Tech of the University of Montana in Butte in 1996 with a degree in environmental engineering.

Lance joined the Montana National Guard at the age of 17. He later graduated from Officer Candidate School, Class of 41, in 1998. He began his professional career at Maxim Engineering in Helena. He later moved to Henderson, Nev., where he most recently worked for Broadbent Engineering as a professional engineer.

He married LesLee Shell in 1993 and later divorced. He then met the love of his life, Miranda White, whom he married on May 3, 2008.

Lance was a comedian who loved to entertain. He loved to play practical jokes and always used his humor to see the lighter side. Lance and his twin brother, Drew, not only looked alike but were the best of friends and shared a love that only twins can share.

He loved the outdoors and spent much of his free time mountain climbing, boating and motorcycle riding (dirt and street). Lance was very physically fit and made sure he didn't miss a day of working out with his best friend, Coby. As Coby would say, "He is the best friend anyone can have."

He was preceded in death by his mother, Julie Beckert; and grandparents, Jack and Helen Beckert. He is survived by his wife, Miranda; sisters, Andrea Abi (Ferhat) with nieces and nephew, Rachel, Sarah and Eric Poole, Cindi Olesen (Greg) with nephew, Derrick and Beckie Graham (Paul) with niece, Chase; twin brother, Drew Beckert with nephew, Gavin; mother-in-law, Rosalind Mira West; and brother-in-law, Weston White.

Viewing hours will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, July 3, at Retz Funeral Home. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Retz Funeral Home Chapel. Interment with military honors will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.