Reverend Walter F. Beck

Reverend Walter F. Beck, 88, passed away Sunday, April 15, 2012, at Mercy Medical Center.

He was born November 11, 1923, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of William H. Beck and Hannah C. Beck. He was a 1942 graduate of Lincoln High School. Walter received his Bachelors Degree at Simpson College and a Graduate Degree at the Divinity School of Drake University. He served as pastor of Jordan United Methodist Church, the church he grew up in for 20 years. He was pastor of Bloomfield United Methodist Church for 17 years, and later worked as admissions coordinator in Meyer Hall at the Polk County Juvenile Home.

His interests were cooking and baking. He and his friend Vern Ogren spent many hours preparing food for candlelight dinners for his family, friends and members of Bloomfield United Methodist Church. Walter’s other interests were music, collecting antiques, painting, wood carving and helping his elderly friends when they were in need.

Walter and his friend also enjoyed writing the history of the neighborhood in which they were born, the history of his grandfather Thomas Beck coal mines and the history of the Bloomfield United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Wilma; and brothers, Govert W. and Robert L. Beck. He is survived by several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 19, 2012 at Bloomfield United Methodist Church, 5930 Indianola Avenue. followed by burial at Glendale Cemetery. Visitation with a light lunch will be held from 12 to 2 p.m. Thursday, prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bloomfield United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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