Eugene J. Beck

Eugene J. “Gene” Beck, age 88, passed away Friday, March 17, 2017 at St. Agnes Hospital. He was the youngest of six children born to the late Robert and Mary Beck on January 13th, 1929, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He received his elementary and secondary education in Oshkosh. He then enlisted in the 11th Airborne Division of the US Army during the Korean War. After leaving the service he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education and a Master's degree in Vocational Education from Stout State University in Menomonee. Gene began his career teaching at the Beloit Vocational and Technical School where he met Janet Huisheere. They were married in August of 1959 and relocated to Oshkosh. While teaching at the University of Wisconsin he became the proud father of three children, Gregory, Pamela and Michelle. The young family then relocated to Missouri where he completed his Doctorate in Industrial, Technical and Adult Education. Dr. Beck’s affiliations included, the Wisconsin Committee on Community Education, the Wisconsin Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, and the Adult Education Association of the USA. He also served as President of the Adult Education Association of Wisconsin. Dr. Beck served the Moraine Park Technical College District in a variety of capacities including Administrator of Community Services, Administrator of Adult and Continuing Education, Assistant Director of Economic Development, retiring as Vice President of Economic Development Services in 1992.



Gene enjoyed camping, biking and canoeing with his wife and family. Gene and Jan enjoyed traveling, visiting nearly all fifty states as well as three visits to Europe. They also wintered in their adopted state of Florida for twenty-five years.



Gene is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jan; son Gregory (Sandy) Beck, Greg’s daughter Amanda (Chad) Amsrud, Sandy’s daughter Kassie Burns; daughter Michelle Beck; other grand children Stacie Smith, her son Brandon Resop, fiancé Josh Peterson; Lucas Smith; Lindsay DeSmet-Jensen, (Kevin), daughter Soety Jensen; great-granddaughter Madysen DeSmet; nieces Pat Egan, Irene (Johnny) Wilson, Kay (Don) DeClaire, niece-in-law Caryl Schoenberger; brother-in-law Larry (Gail) Huisheere. He is further survived by great nieces, nephews and friends.



Gene was preceded in death by his daughter Pamela DeSmet, grandson Roland DeSmet, Sisters Leona (Charlie) Schoenberger, Frances (Clifford) Kloeckner, Sue Beck and brothers Harold (Joan) Beck, Robert (Loretta) Beck; nephew Jerry Schoenberger; nephew-in-law David Egan.



In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the American Heart Association. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.



Gene’s family would like to thank Dr. Pertrinska, the nursing staff on five south and staff from all other departments for their care and support.