Leroy Beck

Rev. Leroy C. Beck (Lee), born on the family farm on 26 June, 1931 in Ottawa Lake, Michigan, and was returned to his creator on Sept. 9. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Bertha Beck of Ottawa Lake, MI, by his older brother Elwin, and his twin sister Leila. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carole J. Beck of Traverse City, Michigan, and by his children Michael C. Beck, Michelle L. Christensen, Melissa A. Beck, as well as by 12 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Lee graduated from Sylvania Burnham High School in 1949, and after working as a mechanic for two years was called to the ministry. He graduated from Capital University, Columbus, OH, in 1955, and then from Capital’s Lutheran Seminary in 1959. His long career in the Lutheran ministry included serving 10 congregations from 1959 through 1996. His positions included: Two point parish serving St. Paul’s, Danbury, OH, and St. Matthew’s, Marblehead, OH; Two point parish serving Immanuel Lutheran, Ida, MI, and St. Matthew’s, Raisinville, MI; Trinity Lutheran, Rocky Point, Long Island, NY; establishing a mission congregation in Sterling Heights, MI; St. Paul Lutheran in Toledo, OH; Immanuel Lutheran in Grand Ledge, MI; mission congregation in Biloxi, MS; and Hope Lutheran in Port Charlotte, FL. After retirement he continued to minister on several interim assignments in Port Charlotte, Rotunda, and Englewood, FL, for an additional decade.

Lee was outgoing, curious, kind, bright, and generous, always ready to help anyone in need. He was a patient and loving father, and he enjoyed being outdoors, traveling, camping, and gardening. Lee was very active, played church softball until age 50, golfed until recently, and was a life-long Detroit Tigers fan. He was deeply loved and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

A memorial service celebrating Lee’s life will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Traverse City Michigan, on Monday, Sept. 12, at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Leroy’s name may be directed to Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Hwy #1155, Traverse City, MI 49684.