Wednesday's Child - Thomas Beck

Last Thursday I blogged about Edwin Beck and the loss of the majority of his children.  I was going to post this funeral card on Friday and stick with the theme, but figured that I'd save it for Wednesday's Child instead since I've got the obituary to go with it.  I haven't figured out the relationship between Thomas and Edwin, but I must say that the Beck's hadn't had the best of luck.  It's so sad when any child is taken from us, but when a family has gone through so much loss!  My best guess so far, and I haven't done anything yet to confirm this, is the Thomas may be the nephew or grand-nephew to Edwin.  Edwin's father's name was John, so it's possible that John had a son, John, that would be Thomas' father or grandfather.  I'll have to check into that one.

"Thomas Beck

Funeral services for Thomas Joseph Beck, 11, of Route 2, Campbellsport, will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Miller's Funeral Home, 215 Forest Ave., Kewaskum, and at 10 a.m. at St. Kilian Catholic Church, St. Kilian.

He died Wednesday after being struck by a milk truck while riding his bicycle near St. Kilian.

The Rev. Adrian Trost will officiate and burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Friends may call after 4 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

He was born May 20, 1964, at West Bend, the son of John and Patricia Wiesner Beck.  He was a sixth grade student at Wayne School.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by two brothers, Steven and Robert both at home; a sister, Sharon at home; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Wiesner of Kewaskum; and paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John C. Beck of Milwaukee.

(hand-dated, Aug 6-75)"

Thankful Thursday - It's a Wonderful Life

I've been transcribing a number of obituaries over the past couple of days.  Endeavoring to find places for all these people in my family history, and where, applicable, my family tree.  I came across an obituary that broke my heart.

As I was typing, I found it rather odd to see that Edwin was survived by one daughter.  I suppose I take it for granted that someone, particularly at the age of 61, dying in the mid-twentieth century would have several children survive them because they usually had quite a few children.  It was when I continued typing that I realized this poor man (and his wife)  had one daughter and three sons precede him in death.

It makes me extremely thankful to live in the times we do.  Children are still taken from us, but not as frequently as they once were.  No matter how some people may complain, I've just got to say that it really is a wonderful life!

"Edwin Beck Funeral Rite Is Announced

Campbellsport Area Resident Is Dead At Age Of 61

Funeral services for Edwin Beck, 61, Campbellsport, will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Twohig Funeral home, Campbellsport, and 10 a.m. at St. Matthew's church, Campbellsport.  The Rev. Peter E. Schwamb will officiate.

Mr. Beck was found dead Wednesday in the barn of his farm one mile north of Campbellsport on County Trunk W.  He was born Aug. 10, 1900, in Town of Byron, the son of John and Barbara Kiefer Beck.  He married Magdalina Richart Oct. 27, 1925, at St. Killian.

The Becks lived in the Town of Ashford until 1948 when they moved to the Town of Auburn.

Surviving are his widow; one daughter, Mrs. Leo Hall, Campbellsport; five grandchildren; two brothers, Jacob, Campbellsport, and Alois, Town of Ashford; and two sisters, Mrs. Alex Lenk, Menomonee Falls, and Mrs. Lucille Koenig, Fond du Lac.  One daughter and three sons preceded him in death.

Mr. Beck was a member of the Holy Name society of st. Matthew's church.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m. Friday until the hour of services.  Burial will be in the church cemetery."