Isabel H Beck

MADISON-Isabel H. Beck, age 94, of Madison, died Monday, April 6, 2015, in her apartment at Oakwood University Woods. She was born on June 7, 1920 to Malcolm and Bergetta (Anderson) Stalker in Nelson, British Columbia. Isabel grew up and attended high school in Spokane, Washington. After high school she worked for a piano teacher who gave her lessons in exchange for accompanying eurythmics classes. She was the pianist for a church and helped in her parent’s restaurant in the last part of the depression. Isabel went to Holy Names College in Spokane for a year and then transferred to Washington State University in Pullman, WA. When WWII started she moved to Seattle and worked for the Army Quartermaster Corps and attended the University of Washington. In August 1943, she married Stanley D. Beck in Los Angeles, where he was serving as a Naval Officer on a minesweeper. After the war ended, they moved to Madison, WI, where her husband attended graduate school and after finishing became a member of the faculty. Isabel was involved in volunteer work throughout her years in Madison. She was an active member of Church Women United serving as President of the Madison chapter and later of the State of Wisconsin. She was given The Valiant Woman Award from Church Women United in 1994 for her eight years of service as the editor of the State Newsletter. She was co-chair of Madison Friends of International Students and served on the University League Board. Isabel helped establish the Williamson Street free health clinic. She fostered the development of a mental health group home. A member of Bethel Lutheran Church, she was a volunteer in the Bethel Parish Shop. When her children were young, she spent some time serving as a Den Mother and a Girl Scout Leader. She was active in the March of Dimes during the polio epidemics in the 1950’s, when her own husband was stricken with polio. Isabel was devoted and determined to maintain a normal and happy family life during his 9 month hospitalization and subsequent recovery. Isabel would hear the train whistles when she was young and dreamed of traveling to far away places. During her life she was able to travel to 36 countries with Norway and Rome, Italy being her favorites. When she could, she spent as much time as possible walking the ocean beaches. Isabel loved and enjoyed her family. She is survived by her son, Bruce (Mary) Beck; daughter, Diana Beck; daughter, Marianne (Albert) Goins; five grandchildren, Nora Beck, Kathleen Beck, Albert Goins Jr. (Jennifer Sandmeyer), Matthew Goins (Alycia Sellie), Rachael Goins; and three great grandchildren, Isabella Goins, Nathaniel Goins, Samantha Goins. Isabel was preceded in her death by her parents, her husband, and daughter Karen. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 25 at 1:00 pm. at the RESURRECTION CHAPEL AT OAKWOOD VILLAGE WEST, 6205 Mineral Point Rd., Madison. Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon. Memorials are appreciated to the Karen Christine Beck Memorial Scholarship in Mathematics (Luther College at Decorah, Iowa) or to Bethel Horizons (Bethel Lutheran Church). The family wishes to thank Senior Helpers, Heartland Hospice, Oakwood Village, and the Medicare Trust Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Avenue (608)831-6761