John D. Beck (1924-2005)

BECK, LAURITSEN, HANSEN, MORTVEDT, HAKE, KNICKERBOCKER, WESTVOLD, KRUSE

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 12/25/2007 at 15:54:45

The Story County Herald, Story City, Story County, Iowa, Wednesday November 2, 2005 (Amended November 9, 2005).

John D. Beck, 80, of Story City, passed away Oct. 28, 2005 at Bethany Life Communities in Story City.

Funeral mass was held Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church in rural Gilbert. Burial followed at the Story City Municipal Cemetery.

John was born Dec. 23, 1924 in Viola Township in Audubon, County, Iowa to Carl and Lila (Lauritsen) Beck. John grew up near Estherville. On Oct. 30, 1946 he married Mary Ann Hansen. John was involved in 4-H as a youth, attended 4-H State Leadership Conference and was a youth leader.

He began farming at Terril and over 22 years established a Registered Holstein Dairy herd. He enjoyed exhibiting his herd at county, district and various state shows, through 4-H, FFA and open classes. The family enjoyed many top honors. When he dispersed his dairy herd, the family moved to Story City and Radcliffe area.

John enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and camping. His family has been blessed with many of his wood projects.

He is survived by his wife, Mary of Story City; seven sons, Wayne (Sandy) of Centennial, Wyoming, Jim (Patti) of Story City, Bill (Vickie) of Spirit Lake, Al (Lori) of Story City, Bruce "Art" (Diane) of Roland, Morris "Moe" of Jackson, Wisconsin, Brad (Amy) of Farmington, Minnesota; five daughters, Barbara (Lindy) Hansen of Perry, Jolene (Bruce) Mortvedt of Story City, Janita "Sam" (Corey) Hake of Radcliffe, Irene Knickerbocker of Ellsworth, and Julie (Kirk) Westvold of Norwalk; 32 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Shirley Kruse of Blue Earth, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Cameron; and three sisters, Betty, Mary Ann and Leona.

A memorial fund has been established in his name.