Gerald Joseph Beck
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Elkader, IA 52043
Elkader Gerald Joseph Beck, 93, of Elkader died peacefully Monday, February 17, 2020, at the Elkader Care Center. He was born May 13, 1926, on the family farm on “Doe Creek” in rural Edgewood, the son of Joseph C. Beck and Katherine Caroline (Hochhaus) Beck. He was baptized and confirmed at Hope Lutheran Church in Littleport, Iowa, and on November 20, 1947, was united in marriage to Dorothy Marie Beyer at Peace Church in Elkader. Incidentally, their marriage was on the same day as the royal wedding of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. Gerald and his beloved Dorothy were inseparable and enjoyed 72 years of marriage. Two children were born of this union.
Gerald was educated at Littleport High School where he played sports and was in the band. He graduated with his 3 classmates on May 10, 1944. He served stateside as a proud member of the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a hard worker and a builder. He was not afraid to take on big projects. He built his farm buildings, and in his retirement years built his own garage and kitchen cabinets. Together Gerald and Dorothy farmed and raised their family on their home farm west of Clayton Center. Later he was a factory worker and ended his working career as a custodian at Central Community School in Elkader.
Gerald is remembered for the lovely flower gardens that he and Dorothy proudly cared for in the front yard of their retirement home on top of the hill west of Clayton Center. Together they maintained their flower and vegetable gardens, cared for their fruit trees, canned all types of vegetables and cut firewood. He loved visits from his loving children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other relatives and friends.
Survivors include his two children, Loren (Cynthia) Beck of Rock Falls, IL, and Karen Beck (and her special friend, Bruce Helmrichs) of Elkader; his brother, Lyle (Jean) Beck of Dubuque, IA; four grandchildren, Matthew (Lynn) Beck of Bartlett, IL, Jessica (Matthew) McCormick of South Elgin, IL, Kristina (Josh) Beachy of North Liberty, IA, and Jordan (Beth) Beck of Cedarburg, WI; ten great grandchildren, Lucas Beck, Nora Beck, Nolan Beck, Zachary McCormick, Addison McCormick, Makayla Beachy, Wyatt Beachy, Elsa Beck and Luther Beck; several nieces, nephews and their families.
Gerald was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy (only 32 days before), his parents, and his sisters Ruth (Adam) Meidinger and Ilo (Leroy) Glawe.
Visitation will be Saturday, February 22 at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:30 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkader with Pastor Susan Friedrich officiating.
Inurnment at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Clayton Center, will be held at a later date.
