Marilyn J Beck

Marilyn Beck passed away peacefully on June 22, 2025 in Spencer, Iowa. She was born on July 1, 1936 in Milford, IA to Wilbur and Augusta Leitch. Growing up as the eldest of three children on her parent’s farm east of Milford, Marilyn was no stranger to hard work. She was named valedictorian of her Arnolds Park High School class of 1954. Upon graduation, Marilyn moved to Spencer to go to work for Northwest Federal Savings and Loan. She met Walter Beck, of Milford, at the Dreamland Roller Rink in Arnolds Park and they married upon his return from the Service in 1957.

In the early 60’s, Marilyn took a break from her professional career to take on the responsibilities of being a wonderful and nurturing mother to the couple’s two children, Scott and Jo Lynn. By the early 70’s, Marilyn returned to Northwest Federal full time to continue her career until retirement in 1999.

With her lifelong roots in Clay and Dickinson counties, Marilyn built, maintained and cherished many lasting friendships, whether through her neighborhood, work, the fair, the YMCA or Sacred Heart Church. In retirement, Marilyn enjoyed more time with her grandchildren as well as travel with Walt to many destinations across the US. Her trips always seemed to revolve around a connection to water, likely borne from her deep roots in the Iowa Great Lakes region. She was always up for a good bus or mystery trip with close friends. She loved the theatre, whether it was a High School, Spencer Community or Okoboji Summer Theatre production, she always seemed to have a ticket. Marilyn was known for loving a good book, a great boat ride and constantly winning every game she played with a humble, classy, “oops, I guess I was lucky again” way about her. She leaves a hole in the hearts of many.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents Wilbur & Augusta Leitch, her husband Walt and his parents Walter and Arvada Beck, her daughter-in-law: Sara Clarity Beck as well as brothers-in-law, Chester Miller and Robert Christensen. She is survived by her son, Scott (Mary) of Lac Du Flambeau, Wl and daughter, Jo Lynn (Tim) Vos of Spencer, IA. Three grandchildren, Jessie (Jake) Seaman, Jack Beck & Joseph Beck, two step-grandchildren, Angela Bushee and Michelle Bushee. Sister Linda (Steve) Muller of Madison, WI and brother, Duane (Harriet) Leitch of Des Moines, IA. Sisters-in-law, Bonilyn

Christensen of Marshalltown, IA and Doris Miller of Milford, IA along with many nieces, nephews and great grandchildren.

The family would like to recognize and thank the hardworking people of Riverside Terrace Assisted Living, St. Luke Nursing Home and Gentiva hospice for their incredible care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Spencer Municipal Library Trust with Marilyn J. Beck noted on the memo line.

To view the service livestreamed please visit: www.spencersacredheart.com/funerals