MARTHA HILDA BECK
It is with great sadness that the family of Martha Hilda Beck announces her passing at the age of 86. She died peacefully in Norfolk, Neb., on July 18, 2019. She was born in Alpena, Mich., on Oct. 28, 1932, to Julius and Hulda (Ratz) Timm. She was raised in Hubbard Lake, Mich., and married William L. Beck of Spruce, Mich., on June 12, 1954. Together, they raised their 10 children on their farm until his death in 1968. Martha was a lifetime teacher, spending her career teaching in both Alpena and Alcona Counties. She ended her teaching career at the age of 85 after serving as a foster grandmother at Sanborn Elementary School for 18 years. The Sanborn Elementary School students and teachers were family to her and she treasured her time spent working with them. She was a teacher inside and outside of the classroom.
Martha will be fondly remembered as a hardworking, selfless and supportive mother and grandmother. Her hobbies included reading, gardening, canning, traveling, and cooking. During her life, she touched the lives of many people and will continue to live in the hearts of her family and her students.
Martha is survived by her two brothers, Norman Timm and Jerry Timm. She is also survived by her eight children and their spouses: Bonnie (late Michael) Maier-residing in Norfolk, Neb.; Joanne Beck-residing in Shelby Township, Mich.; Joyce (Chris) Milan-residing in Gaylord, Mich.; late William (Diane) Beck-residing in Alpena, Mich.; Robert (Tammy) Beck-residing in Romeo, Mich.; late James (Nancy) Beck-residing in Spruce, Mich.; Nancy (Mike) Flynn-residing in Harrisville, Mich.; Sally Beck-residing in Kentwood, La.; Edward (Lora) Beck-residing in Kentwood, La., and Donna (Darren) Belisle-residing in Shelby Township, Mich. She is also survived by her 23 grandchildren: Shanen (Jeff), William, Jenny (Jon), James (Lauren), Lukas (Kelsey), Amanda (Scott), Sean, Kaitlyn (Corey), Courtney (Ron), Ellyn, Levi, Ian, Jason, Abby, Cole and Drew, and four great-grandchildren: Aubrey, Brenden, Shelby and Kellan.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Julius and Hulda Timm, her husband, William L. Beck, her sons James and William Beck and her sisters Ruth Bruns and Rose Klein. She was a lifetime member of the Spruce Lutheran Church. A celebration of Martha’s life will be held on Sept. 14, 2019 at the Spruce Lutheran Church.