Dennis Beck

Dennis Beck of Columbus died in Norfolk on April 28, 2024, at age 81, following a short illness. Though his last days were difficult, he repeatedly expressed to his adoring family that his was a life well lived, filled with the people and things he loved and ending with him feeling happy and at peace.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 2, 2024 at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Visitation is Wednesday 5-7 p.m. at the McKown Funeral Home. There will be a 7:00 p.m. vigil service Wednesday also at the funeral home. Interment will be in the All Saints Cemetery.

Dennis Ray Beck was born on November 2, 1942, near Merrill, Iowa, the first of three sons of Raymond Beck and Nettie Beck (nee Ferguson). Raised on the family's farm, he created memories with his siblings and extended family that would bring him joy the rest of his life. After graduating from Hinton High School in 1960, he served in the military for several years before accepting a position with Kent Feeds, where he worked for the next 39 years, until his retirement in 2005.

Early in his career, Denny met Estella Lucille "Lu" Clarey of Merrill. The couple fell in love and was married on October 14, 1967, at Ellendale Church, and Denny forged deep bonds with Lu's large family. Three children soon followed their marriage: Eric Ray, born in 1969, Kelly John, in 1970, and Patricia Anne, in 1971. The family moved around the Midwest as Denny advanced in his career, eventually settling in Columbus, where they found their spiritual home at St. Anthony's Church. As his children were growing up, he was an avid supporter of them and their activities, rarely if ever missing one of their games or contests. He was an active member of his church, serving in the Knights of Columbus and as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist.

Dennis began working at Kent Feeds as an hourly employee. His affable personality, his smarts, and his monumental work ethic allowed him to be promoted many times, and he ended his decorated career as a regional manager. In retirement, he took delight in new activities in addition to old ones. He eagerly looked forward to his bowling league and card games and to socializing with his and Lu's dear friends. Most of all, he loved time spent with his adoring family: trips with his beloved wife, reunions with his extended families, and getting together with his children, their spouses, and his grandchildren, with whom he bonded over food, games, and fun. After Lu's passing in 2018, Denny found great love and companionship with Terri Lab of Columbus, with whom he shared many adventures and even more laughs.

It would be hard to find someone who met Denny who didn't also like him. His genuine interest in people's lives and his joyous laugh and smile won him friends wherever he went. He will be treasured forever by the people whose lives he touched.

Dennis was preceded in death by his wife, his mother and father, and his brother Terry Beck. He is survived by his three children; by his brother Roger Beck and his wife, Dianne; by his children's spouses, Robyn Gammill, Laura Beck, and Troy Kassmeier; by his 11 grandchildren, Isabel Beck, Martin Gammill-Beck, Gabriella Beck, Luke Beck, Alice Gammill-Beck, Olivia Beck, Anne Marie Beck, and Abigayl, Sam, Cate, and Tess Kassmeier; and by his special friend, Terri Lab.