Larry Eugene Beck

Larry Eugene Beck, the son of Robert E. and Dorothy M. (Taylor) Beck, was born March 26, 1945 in Spencer, Iowa.  His childhood years were spent in Spencer, where he received his education, graduating from Spencer High School in 1963.  Upon graduation, he earned his associate degree in accounting from Mankato Commercial College.  Following his schooling, he entered the military and served with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, from August of 1965, until his honorable discharge in September of 1969. 

Larry married Christine Parsons on June 10, 1978, in Spencer.  To this union, they had two children, Brianne and Daniel.  Following their marriage, they lived in Spencer, where he worked for various companies, including JC Penney, Morton Buildings, and Eaton Corporation.  He took pride in working at Eaton’s, where he worked for 20 years, from 1987 until his retirement in 2007.

In the past, Larry had been an active member of the First Baptist Church, including serving as past Game Commander of the AWANA Clubs, driving the church van for AWANA and Sunday morning services, as well as several other duties in the church.  Larry enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, following sports (especially the Spencer Tigers, Iowa Hawkeyes, and Kansas City Chiefs), as well as spending time with his friends and family.  He also always enjoyed the Clay County Fair every year, ever since he was a young boy.  He worked many different jobs there but spent the most time working as a Clay County Fair Police Officer under the Grandstand, at Northwestern Christian bookstore, and for his sister-in-law Tammy’s booth, at Riecke’s Bayside Gallery.

Larry passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 78.  Private burial will take place in Parsons Cemetery in Webb.

He is survived by his children: Nathan Andreasen of Phoenix, AZ, Brianne (Brent) Haskell of Dodge City, KS and Daniel (Patty) Beck of La Grange, CA; sister, Norma Jean Patten of Spencer; aunt, Effie Taylor of Spencer; grandchildren, Ella Rose Stock of Phoenix, AZ, Brock and Brielle Haskell of Dodge City, KS; step-grandson, Michael Castillo of San Mateo, CA; brother and sister-in-law’s: Tamra (Gary) Riecke of Bigfork, MT, Marcia Nemmers of Spencer, Janel (Dave) Maurer of Spencer, Janeen (Bill) Madson of Webb, Joel (Tonna) Parsons of Webb, Darryl Parsons of Spencer; many cousins, nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Christine, in 2010; grandparents, Bayard F. and Alta (Fink) Taylor, and Gustav and Harriet (Taylor) Beck; his parents, Robert and Dorothy (Taylor) Beck; his siblings, Roger Beck and Beverly Beck; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Elmer and Mary Jane Parsons, brother-in-law Dennis Parsons, other relatives and many friends. 

*In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Larry's name.