Fred Beck 1845 - 1923

BECK, LARSON, WAGGONER, STARR, BERGIN, GUSTAFSON

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 5/1/2024 at 09:41:47

FORMER KIRON PIONEER DIES

The remains of Fred Beck arrived here from Hawarden, Iowa Friday noon and funeral services were held from the Baptist church here at two o'clock, conducted by Rev. C. I. Peterson. Services had been held on Thursday from the home at Hawarden. The remains were accompanied by his loving wife, Mrs. F. Beck, Mr. and Mrs. J. O. Larson of Alcester, South Dakota and Mr. and Mrs. Philip Waggoner of Big Springs, Mrs. Waggoner and Mrs. Larson, being daughters and Mr. and Mrs. Theron Beck of Big Spring.

Fred Beck was born in Misterhult Soken, Kalmer lane, Sweden, July 27, 1845. He came to America in 1866 and lived at Stratford, Iowa for a short time, moving then to Denison, Crawford county, where he met and married Miss Carrie M. Starr, July 3rd, 1871. Six children were born to this union, the youngest dying in infancy, only a short time before the young wife and mother, who went to her eternal rest July 17, 1887. The eldest son, William lived to the age of 32. The four remaining children are: Mrs. Chas. Bergin of this vicinity, Mrs. J. O. Larson, Mrs. Phillip Waggoner and one son Theron Beck, all living in the vicinity of Big Springs, South Dakota. He also leaves 18 grandchildren and two great granddaughters. He was united in marriage the second time at Kiron the 24th of June 1888 to Miss Hannah Gustafson, who has been his faithful helpmate these many years, and his gentle patient nurse thru the last months of suffering and helplessness.

Most of his life was spent in Crawford county, Iowa, where he was one of the early pioneers. Later in his life he moved to Odebolt, from there he moved on a farm near Lehr, N. Dak. and from there to Marshall, Minn. and last to his home in Hawarden, Iowa, where he could be near some of his children, during his remaining years, where he also passed away March 6, 1923 at the ripe old age of 77 years, 7 months, and 7 days.

Early in his married life he was converted and became one of the charter members of the Baptist church of Kiron where he served as deacon for many years. He was always a man of clean habits, upright and honest and besides his living wife and children will be missed by many friends in the several places he has resided during his life. We expressed a longing to leave his poor emaciated body and go to his Heavenly home and just a few hours before the end came he said he would soon be with his Master and wanted his loved ones to meet him in that better land. Interment was made in the Kiron cemetery.

From Glenn Gustafson