William J. Beck, 85

William J. Beck, age 85 of Northfield, MN died peacefully on October 18, 2012. Bill was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 23, 1927, the son of Nathan L. and Estelle (Reitz) Beck. He graduated from the Kentucky Military Institute, Lyndon, KY, in 1944, and enlisted in the United States Navy to serve during WWII. After the war, Bill enrolled at Carleton College, Northfield, Minn., where he graduated with the Class of 1950 and met his wife Barbara Nordly. They married August 26, 1950 at Christ Episcopal Church in Red Wing, MN. Bill was called back into naval service during the Korean War.

Bill was a 30-year employee of Honeywell, Inc. working in various capacities at several US locations before retiring in 1988. He had a passion for community service, and devoted his time and energy to civic organizations. Bill was elected to the Arlington Heights, IL District 25 school board and served as its president for 2-years.

After retirement, the Becks moved to Pequot Lakes, MN where Bill was a charter member of Rotary and one of the founders and the president of the Crow Wing County Lakes and Rivers Alliance and president of the Whitefish Area Property Owners Association. They returned to Northfield in 2003 to renew the connection with the Carleton through volunteer work and regularly attending sporting events. While living in Northfield, Bill was appointed to serve on the city Charter Commission.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara, sons Daniel (Jan) of Denver, CO, David of Afton, MN and daughter Mary (Michael) Broshar of Waterloo, IA. Bill and Barbara have nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His brother Robert (Darlene) Beck of Santa Cruz, CA and two sisters Judith Beck of Readfield, ME and Susan Hoff of Port Jefferson, NY also survive.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the United Methodist Church, 1401 South Maple Street, Northfield on Monday, October 29 at 2:00 PM followed by a reception at Carleton College. A visitation will precede the service by one-hour. A family service of internment will be held at Oakwood Cemetery in Red Wing.

Gifts in memory of Bill may be directed to the Carleton Athletic Initiative, where they will benefit Carleton's track and field program. Mail: Carleton College Gift Accounting, One N. College St., Northfield MN 55057 or www.give.carleton.edu

Funeral arrangements are by the Bierman Funeral Home in Northfield.