Harold Beck

Harold Beck, 93, of Arden, passed away May 17, 2017 at the John F. Keever Jr. Hospice Solace Center. A native of Sturtevant, WI, he was the son of the late Hjalmer and Frances Therkelsen Beck. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Evan Beck, one grandson, Joseph Harold Beck, one nephew, Ronald Beck and one niece, Judith Beck Lunsford. Harold proudly served his country in the Army Air Corps as a pilot in WWII. He later served in the Air Force National Guard and was stationed in Alaska with his family during the Korean Conflict. In 1955, Harold moved his family to Fairview, NC where he spent 16 years farming poultry and cattle. Following that time, he worked for 12 years as a residential building contractor in Lakeland, FL. Harold was a true craftsman. He retired from construction in 1982 when he returned to the Asheville area. He loved wood working, artistry and learned to play the organ later in life. Above all, he loved his family, especially his adoring wife of 73 years, Nan Jean, who was his everything. He will be missed, but his family is so grateful that he is with his Lord Jesus Christ, whom he loved so much. In addition to his wife, Nan Jean, Harold is survived by one daughter, Sherry B. Howard (Derrell) of Arden; two sons, Terry Harold Beck (Ann) of Lewisville, NC and Richard Beck (Sandra) of Dallas, TX; seven grandchildren, Kimberly Kirk (Tim), Kelly Pickett (Brian), Michael Kenneth Beck, Kristen Beck (Tanya), Kimberly Batz, Kelly Jo Beck and Chad Beck, as well as eight great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, May 26, 2017 at Grace Community Church in Mills River. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Grace Community Church, 495 Cardinal Dr., Mills River 28759 or the John F. Keever, Jr. Hospice Solace Center, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.