Date of Birth:
Sunday, November 30, 1930
Date of Death:
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Age:
89 years old

William George Beck

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and servant of the Lord, William G. Beck, 89, has peacefully rested his head and heart. Bill was born in Shavertown, PA, to Harry C. Beck and Caroline Jones Beck. He graduated from Kingston High School and, in 1951, from The Pennsylvania State College with a BS in Chemical Engineering. He was employed by Air Products and Chemicals, Allentown, PA, American Color and Chemical, Lock Haven, PA, and the Williamsport Area School District from which he retired as Director of Maintenance and Plant Operations in October 2001.

Bill met the love of his life, Nathalie, while both were abroad in Italy. They returned to the States, were married, and spent the next 59 years in generous, uplifting partnership. Bill and Nathalie raised their family of three children in Pennsylvania and later relocated to Rochester, MN. Together, they rejoiced in hosting family, friends, and church gatherings in the home they built. Acting as the general contractor, Bill managed the construction. He personally completed the electrical, plumbing, sheet rocking, and finishing work but gave credit to Nathalie for “making the house a home.”

Bill was always a hard worker who found joy in caring for his family and humbly serving others. He was a man who spoke volumes more by what he did, rather than what he said. Even in his later years, he could be found shoveling a neighbor’s driveway, or helping a stranded stranger. He was a member of Saint John’s United Methodist Church in Williamsport, PA, and Evangel United Methodist Church in Rochester where he served in many capacities. Bill participated in Sunday School, hosted small groups, worked as the Head of Trustees, directed a major building addition, and showed God’s love through mission trips.

A man of many talents and interests, Bill shared his beautiful tenor voice in choirs and played trombone in ensembles. He was an outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting the Pine Creek area of Pennsylvania. Bill was an avid Penn State fan and loved following the PGA tour. He and Nathalie delighted in traveling the world and crafting stained glass together.

Bill was always a gentleman and deeply loved by many. His tongue-in-cheek humor with a half-smile and twinkle in his eye will be dearly missed. He is survived by his wife, Nathalie Betz Beck, daughter Sheryl (David) Simon, sons Charles and William (Michele) Beck, beloved grandchildren Alissa (John) Zimmerman, Matthew (Katie) Simon, Lindsey (Chandler) Winkels, Andrew (Amy) Bubb, and Ian Bubb, six great-grandchildren, and brother Gordon Beck. He is preceded in death by his parents and three brothers Harry, Robert, and Russell. Bill has instilled in all his family members the deepest concept of marriage, love, and family.

Due to the pandemic, the family is planning a private Celebration of Life. Heartfelt appreciation is extended to Cottagewood Senior Communities and Heartland Hospice. In recognition of Bill’s steadfast devotion to and care for his wife, the family wishes memorial contributions be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.