Gerald R. Beck

January 7, 2007 Gerald R. Beck, 77, of Bellevue, IA passed away Sunday, January 7th, 2007 at Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa. Gerald was born September 23rd, 1929 in San Diego, California, son of the late Adam and Helen (Schriefer) Beck. He married Mary Louise Thies on February 3rd, 1951 at the Holy Rosary Rectory in LaMotte, IA. She survives. Gerald was a machinist with John Deere in Dubuque for 32 years. He also worked five years at the Savanna Army Depot. He was a member of the former Bellevue Jaycees, the UAW 94 and the Bellevue Golf Club. Gerald had a love and respect for the Mississippi River. He especially enjoyed trot line fishing and sharing his catch with others. Gerald loved to dance. Taking his wife, Mary, dancing was one his favorite things to do. The most enjoyable hobby of his friends may have been his baking. For years, he would bake four loaves of bread each week and share them with family and friends. Besides his wife, Mary L. Beck of Bellevue, survivors include four children; Gregory R. Beck, Milwaukee, Debra J. Campbell, Cedar Rapids, Michael L. (Jody) Beck, Hanover Park, IL, and Brian K. (Charlotte) Beck, Ankeny; four grandchildren, Cody M., Nicole K., Christopher W. and Natalie M. Beck; cousins, Roy & Jan (Beck) Brinker and their family, with whom he was raised. Special family members include Berniece Brandt and her son Bill Brandt; aunt Edna Schriefer, cousin Ted and cousin Charlotte Schriefer of El Cajon, California and other Schriefer cousins, also survived by brothers-in-law, Merlin (Elizabeth) Thies, Dubuque and Robert (Deborah) Thies, Clinton. Geralds parents preceded him in death at a very young age. His mother Helen (Schriefer) Beck passed away on September 18, 1937 and his father Adam J. Beck passed away on October 8, 1945. He was also preceded in death by Bernieces husband, Edward Brandt, Herbert and Eleanor Beck, Walter & Henry Beck and their wives, and Ted Schriefer Sr. Funeral Services will be held 11 AM on Wednesday, January 10th, 2007, at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Bellevue. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call on Tuesday from 3-7 PM at the Kingery Funeral Home in Bellevue and again on Wednesday from 10 11 AM at the Church. Pallbearers for the service will be Dave Brinker, Steve Brinker, Bill Brandt, Ardell Till, John Chantos, Steve Engelman, Joe Theisen and Norvil Felderman. Honorary pallbearers are Cody Beck, Christopher Beck, Nicole Beck, Natalie Beck, Ted Schriefer and Charlotte Schriefer. Kingery Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences at www.kingeryfuneralhome.com