Robert Ellsworth Beck

He leaves behind his children Steven Beck, Perry Beck, and Diane MacWilliams, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and his devoted friend Jane Schaeffer.

Bob was born and raised in Geddes, South Dakota on November 14, 1922. On July 4,1942, he married the former Margaret Kroll and the two were happily married for 49 years. After attending Northwestern University, Bob went to work for the Milwaukee Railroad during World War II performing essential war duties.

After the war, he continued his career in the railroad industry, first with Milwaukee and then with the Santa Fe Railroad. Bob rose through the ranks from telegraph operator to head office executive. His career caused him to relocate numerous times and he ultimately settled in Chicago, Illinois. He had a computer-like capacity to manage the movement of freight cars all over the country benefitting his company and his industry.

After the death of his first wife, Bob married Marilyn Anderson with whom he alternated residences between Naperville, Illinois and Sun Lakes, Arizona. He was a devoted husband for 14 years, who cared for her throughout a prolonged illness until her death in 2009.

Bob was active; he played golf, tennis, pool, swam, and took daily walks up until his last few weeks, when he was no longer able. He was a voracious reader, a trait he passed on to his children and grandchildren. He always sought to expand his knowledge of his many interests, which included politics, history, and sports. He was a life-long fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago White Sox.

Most of all, Bob Beck was a caring and loving patriarch. He had a quick sense of humor, a keen mind, and, to those who knew and loved him, he was a man for whom fierce determination was balanced with charm. From Bob his family learned integrity, honesty, forthrightness, and fairness. He was loved and will be missed.

Memorials can be made to the Phoenix Rescue Mission (www.phoenixrescuemission.org).