On January 29, 2023 Donald Beck took his final journey to join his beloved, Ramona Gail. How do you sum up a person’s life? The story of Donald’s life was filled with love of animals, devotion to his family and dedication to his country. But the one moment that may have had the biggest impact of his life was in the summer of 1956 in the Dairy Queen in Oxford, Nebraska. There he first saw Gail Smith.
From that moment he knew love. And that love guided all of the remaining days of his life. Since he had already decided to marry Gail, his first challenge was to get her to date him. But once that happened, the passion they shared kept them together through good times and bad.
They may have started their life together by visiting the dump on their honeymoon, but from there they went around the world. Always holding on to each other and their love.
Donald joined the military and served his nation during Vietnam and beyond. He and Gail were stationed in Massachusetts, Spain, Nebraska, Colorado, and Alaska. Don was awarded many medals for his service including the Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.
During these years, he was a devoted father. He baked birthday cakes (at least that is what he told us) for all four of his Ding-a-lings. He always got us chocolate for Valentines Day. He survived coaching us in basketball and softball – turning us into champions. He even survived teaching us to drive. And he was smart enough to always defer to the wisdom of his wonderful wife.
Upon retirement from the Military, he continued to serve his community as a Mail Carrier. He love the opportunity to get to know and visit with people on his route. And even if he didn’t always like the people, he gained the devotion of the dogs on his route with regular treats.
After surviving a bout with cancer, he took advantage of his second chance to spend time with his grandchildren. He went to their classrooms, their sporting events and even to his great grandsons’ plays. He also shared with the younger children his love of fishing and all things Nebraska sports.
He was fortunate to also share his life with many pets. From the time he was a boy he loved dogs and he continued to keep a companion with him until the end. From Pokey to Patches. From Goldie to Shiloh. From Triple to Penny and finally with Abby. They were always with him and were always in his heart.
While his family will miss him always, we remain grateful that we had him as long as we did. From him we learned the most important lesson. How to love.
Donald is preceded in death by his loving wife, Ramona Gail.
He is survived by his dingalings, Twila(Michael) Bloomingdale, Marla,Danae (Tim) Albers, Vonda (Terry) Addleman; brother, Ronnie;sister, Helen Rhodes; 8 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren.
VISITATION Sunday from 4-6pm. MEMORIAL SERVICE Monday at 9:30am all at the Mortuary. INURNMENT at Omaha National Cemetery. Memorials suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association or Nebraska Humane Society.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.KahlerDolceMortuary.com for the Beck family.
DONATIONS
Alzheimer's Association
Nebraska Humane Society
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