Michael F. Beck

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of beloved husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, and cousin, Michael F. Beck, who went to heaven on 7/17/24 at the age of 79 after a hardfought, two-year battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family and his cat Clementine during his final moments, at home, just the way he wanted it. He was a man of immense wisdom and humor, cherishing every moment spent with his loved ones.

Michael was born on Feb. 27, 1945, in Washington, Missouri to Florence nee’ Wilding Beck, and Leslie B. Beck. Michael was educated at St. Peter and Paul school in Berger, Missouri, and graduated from St. George High School in Herman, Missouri. Upon graduation he spent most of his career in the structural steel industry as a certified welding inspector and in plant managerial roles, ensuring fabrication standards of success and completion for many local and national buildings and bridges.

He was a natural leader, proudly serving his country as a Military Police Sargeant in the National Guard and in the Army Reserves.

Mike would say his greatest achievements were his 57-year marriage to the love of his life, Virginia (Ginger) nee’ Cortez Beck, his 7 daughters, Michelle Beck (Tom Brackman), Lesli (Nick) von Seelen, Tracy (Scott) Campbell, Mikki (Todd) Ellington, Jamie (Andrew) Barnes, Aimee (Joel) Davis, Vikki (Adam) Schroedter, and his 22 grandkids, Jacob, Brendan, Lauren, Logan, Jordan, Brittany, Alexandra, Tristan, Cassidy, Grace, Cole, Sophie, Peyton, Hayden, Adrien, Makenna, Tanner, Mason, Jackson, Addison, Keegan,Dylan, and his 2 great grandchildren, Clark and Olive.

Mike loved being a “Girl Dad” and he emphasized strong family values always putting faith and family first.

He is preceded in death by his grandsons Hayden Barnes and Dylan Schroedter, his mother, Florence Beck Schnaare, stepfather, Victor Schnaare, siblings Patricia Beck, Robert Beck, and Richard Beck.

Mike was an active member of St. Bridget of Kildare Parish, lectoring at mass and serving as a Eucharistic Minister. He was a past member of the Knights of Columbus. He also served on many committees, in leadership roles, and school board roles, as his faith and catholic education were most important to him.

He enjoyed growing his vegetable garden and adorning his yard with many plants, playing cards with friends and family, attending all his children and grandchildren’s games and activities, and spending time with his and Ginger’s friends from church. He loved dancing with his wife Ginger, and they were known to be one of the last on the dance floor at any event. He was an animal lover, having many cats and a few dogs over the years who he considered members of the family. He was known for his creativity in recycling and repurposing items, his talent in constructing Irish crosses and birdhouses, and in completing many home renovation projects for his daughters. He was known for his humorous sayings, dry wit, and wise advice and counsel.

Above all else, he will be remembered as a hero to his family and a selfless individual, always giving to others. He was the best husband, father and papa. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy is strong.

As evidence of his giving nature, Mike decided to donate his body to science at Saint Louis University Gift Body Program, thinking the research might help someone else. Therefore, a Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday, August 11, 2024 at 2:00 pm at St. Bridget Church, in Father Hyland Hall.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be sent in his honor to the St. Bridget of Kildare Catholic School Scholarship fund:

223 W. Union Street, Pacific, MO. 63069

Wesharegiving.org

Venmo address: @sbk-parish and add in the memo: Scholarship Fund.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael F. Beck, please visit our floral store.