Robert G. Beck

Robert George Beck was born in Holyoke, Colorado on December 23, 1951, to George Martin, and Bona Ruth (Anderson) Beck. Robert passed away unexpectedly the morning of November 11, 2020. Bob was the second child having an older sister Teresa Joann. He was raised on the family farm 3 miles Northeast of Lamar, Nebraska. Robert attended elementary school in Lamar and crossed the Colorado border to attend Holyoke High School, graduating in 1970. He attended Northeastern Junior College in Sterling Colorado, and in 1974, graduating from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in Elementary Education. Robert accepted a position to teach 5th Grade in Benkelman, Nebraska never dreaming that he would begin and end his teaching career in the same school. In the fall of 1975 while at a Bible Study he met Jean Ferguson. Love prevailed and they were married on July 17th of 1976. To this union two sons were born, Derek Jon, in June of 1979, and Matthew Robert in May of 1982. The family enjoyed traveling every summer. The family was rarely home for the boys' birthdays. Trips to Disneyland, Disneyworld, Yellowstone and Washington D.C. gave them many lasting memories. Robert continued teaching in Benkelman although the district kept changing in size and name. He switched from 5th grade to 4th grade, and later to Title I Reading. Kids were his passion, and he touched several generations during his tenure. Robert was always involved in his local teachers association, and in the late 1980's he became more involved in the Nebraska State Education Association, Tri-Valley District. He served for over 20 years. In 2000 he was appointed to the NSEA Board of Directors where he proudly served for 13 years. The monthly trips to Lincoln, as well as other travel opportunities gave him many lasting memories and friendships. In 2005 the Governor appointed Robert to the Nebraska Professional Practices Commission. He found this work very challenging, but rewarding. He retired from teaching in 2013 after 39 years in the teaching profession. He and Jean always kept in close contact with their boys. They looked forward to the calls and trips to visit them and their families. In December of 2011 Bob and Jean's life was changed forever with the birth of their Granddaughter Emersyn Jean Marie. The Step Grandchildren were always very special but our little Miss Em stole their hearts. 2018 brought the arrival of their first Great Grandson Dane Archer Schuett. Bob and Jean moved to Nixa, Missouri in December 2014. Bob had been quite ill prior to the move, but finally was back to a new normal. He loved the green of Missouri, and all that living in that area brought to their lives. New neighbors, and close church friends made life pretty close to perfect. Robert was preceded in death by his parents George and Bona, Father and Mother-In-Laws John and Wilma Ferguson, and nephew Nathan Ferguson. Robert leaves behind his faithful wife Jean Beck (Ferguson) of 44 years; two sons Derek Beck and wife Carla of North Platte, Ne. Matthew Beck and wife Kelly of Stillwater, Ok. Six Grandchildren, Trae, Kenley, Colby, and Emersyn from Oklahoma, Nathan Manary and Bradee/Chase Schuett from Nebraska; and one Great Grandchild Dane Schuett. Sister Teresa Stieb of Rapid City, SD; Brother-In-Law Wayne and wife Marlyn Ferguson, Brother-In-Law Mark and wife Julie Ferguson; Robert had a special relationship with his nieces and nephews and their families, and enjoyed watching their families grow. They loved their uncle Bob. Robert had chosen to be cremated, a Celebration Of Life is being planned for 2021 when Family and Friends can gather together to celebrate Robert. Cards and Flowers can be sent to Jean 515 S. Pepperhill Drive, Nixa, Mo 65721.