Robert Frank Beck 1927-2008

BECK, WEIDAUER, WELKER, KNUDSEN, EIZIK

Posted By: Bobbie (email)
Date: 6/26/2011 at 19:41:22

The Des Moines Register
September 23, 2008

Robert F. Beck, 81, went home to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, September 21, 2008 at Taylor House in Des Moines. Robert was born on the family farm near Pomeroy, Iowa on January 20, 1927 to Otto and Minnie Weidauer Beck.

He left his family home to proudly enlist in the United States Marine Corps, where he served in World War II and the Korean War until he received an honorable discharge, attaining the rank of corporal. Robert was a member of the American Legion. After completing his military enlistment, Robert enjoyed his occupation as a truck driver. He retired from Rock Island Motor Transit and was a proud member of the Teamsters Local # 127.

Robert had a lively sense of humor and enjoyed good-natured teasing with "Ajax", his wife Jackie. He had special nicknames for nearly all of the members of his family. Robert was a lifelong learner and spent many hours with his daily Des Moines Register. He regarded no issue complete until he had penciled in a hat for Dilbert and a smiley face for Snoopy. Robert particularly enjoyed making editorial comments in the margins before sharing the paper with Jackie. Robert provided a unique sight in the neighborhood, riding his "Dodge" motorcycle or his Schwinn bicycle with children and a dog behind. And, more than anything, Robert loved his family and his dogs.

Robert was also an avid outdoorsman. He shared an Iowa-native's love for hunting and fishing. But, Robert also enjoyed out-of-door pursuits not typically thought of as uniquely Iowan, including skiing and scuba diving.

He is survived by his wife of over fifty years, Jackie, and seven children; Charles (Alana), Linda (Gary) Welker, Debra, Bobbie Jo (Michael) Knudsen, Russ, Reggie and Randy. Also surviving is a sister Helen (Paul) Eizik, nineteen grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and a large and loving extended family. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister, daughter-in-law, Brenda Beck and a grandson, Jonathan Robert Beck.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at Grace Church in Des Moines, Iowa, burial will follow at the Altoona Cemetery in Altoona, Iowa. Friends may visit with the family from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at the Hamilton's Altoona Funeral Home in Altoona.

Memorial contributions can be made to Grace Church or Taylor House Hospice in Bob's name. We will honor and treasure your memory, until we meet again.