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Karl Beck Obituary

BECK, Karl W. 56, of Clearwater, passed away unexpectedly on May 19. A native of Bremen, Germany, he came to this country at age 2, with his parents, the late Karl and Gertrude Beck. He spent most of his childhood and young adulthood in Fort Wayne, IN, where he graduated from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. He was a loyal and dedicated employee of The Braun Corp/Braun Ability for more than 30 years, first in Winamac, IN, and then in Clearwater. Over the years, he was active in numerous disability-related organizations and activities, including serving as judging coordinator for Ms. Wheelchair Florida and participating in wheelchair sports, especially basketball as both a player and coach. He served on the state of Florida's Rehabilitation Advisory Commission for six years. He was a mentor for Pinellas County Schools, and attended St. John's Episcopal Church in Clearwater. He was absolutely devoted to his wife, Victoria, and son, Michael K., both of Clearwater. He is also survived by his brother Dennis (Melodie) of Littleton, CO; his sister Helga (Jess Beltz) of Fort Wayne, IN; and several nieces and nephews. He requested donations in his memory be made to Caring & Sharing Center for Independent Living, 12552 Belcher Road S., Largo, FL 33773. A memorial service will be held at 4 pm May 28, at Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 701 Orange Ave., Clearwater. Parking and entrance for those who use wheelchairs is in the lot north of the church, near the bell tower. Moss Feaster Belcher Road Chapel 727- 562-2070

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Published by Tampa Bay Times on May 23, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Karl Beck

17 Entries

Doyle Mann

May 27, 2009

Karl was one of the most genuinly nice people I have ever known. He was my coach, teammate, business associate and friend and he will be greatly missed not only by me but by our entire community.

LeAnne Gerhart

May 27, 2009

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Karl had a profound affect on my life and career, I am deeply saddened by his loss.

Burnie Blackmon

May 27, 2009

The world has lost a truly gentle man. Karl's legacy will be that he left the world a better place than he found it because of his thoughtfulness to other. Karl has been and remains an inspiration to me. I am a better person, today, for having known him all these years. I first met Karl in 1976 when he came to work at The Braun Corporation in Winamac. After his transfer to the Florida facility, we saw each other rarely but we spoke often by phone. Karl was the consummate professional and at the same time you always knew that to Karl your problems became his problem. He always took the time to help. I am shocked and saddened by his loss, but he will live on through the lives of those he touched.

Patrick Lambertson

May 27, 2009

I have known Karl since 1987 when I started playing basketball. He was a great mentor to me as a teammate and later on as a coach. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Vickie and his son Michael. He was a great man who will greatly be missed.

Patrice OBrien

May 26, 2009

Vicky,
Hope you remember me, we have met a couple of times. As a teacher at school I would always see Karl at PPHS when he was mentoring. He was always so kind and thoughtful or others in their time of need. He will forever be missed and fondly remembered as one who always gave to others.

May 26, 2009

I have known Karl for more than 30 years. Throughout this time he has made significant and lasting contributions in his community, the state and nation. He was instrumental in the development and provision of accessible transportation for individuals with disabilities. He served on many boards and committees and his contributions have made lasting impacts on the quality of life for many people with disabilities. On behalf of the Florida Department of Health/Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Pprogram we are deeply saddened by his passing. We will miss him very much. Thom DeLilla

Kathy Winter

May 25, 2009

Vickie and Michael:

You are in our thoughts and prayers. Although my chats with Karl were brief, I learned a lot about him through Vickie. I know he cherished his family and positively influenced many lives through his activities, work and writings. I know he will be missed by many.

Please know we're thinking about you and are here for you.

Tom Cusack

May 25, 2009

I first met Karl Beck when he was first employed by the Braun Corporation in Winamac, Indiana.Karl was a friend whom you could always go to in time of need, time for a joke and time for friendship. He helped thru alot of 'jams' effortlessly and thanklessly. When you met Karl you became his friend. His loss will be truly felt by his family and sincerely felt by the industry he helped build, maintain and give a great deal of credibility to.

Dorothy & Arek Zapal

May 24, 2009

We were so saddened by this message of Karl's departure. Remembered as a gentle person, intuitive and with great heart. We will miss presence in our neighborhood,
Dorothy and Arek Zapal

Helga Denby

May 23, 2009

This world has lost a great human being. He has helped so many people, but never looked for a thank you. He was always there when one needed him, especially when I needed help with "handicapped" equipment, he always had an answer. Tom and I will miss him, especially when we go to the Tampa area. Our hearts and thoughts are with you both Vickie and Michael, we will cherish his memory for ever, love Helga and Tom

pete /judi/leanne/gary MITS[LARGO]

May 23, 2009

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Diane Sward

May 23, 2009

Karl and Victoria were special friends of mine and I am so sorry for your loss. I always loved playine basketball with Karl and he was a great player

Barb Page

May 23, 2009

Vickie and Michael,

You are in all our thoughts, hearts and prayers. Karl was admirable, kind, generous, talented and just an all around awesome human being. He will be missed by us all and we are the lucky ones to have known this great man.

pete/judi galietta[mits]

May 23, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Jim Muth

May 23, 2009

Vicy and Michael, our thoughts are with you both, after the shocking news all I could do is remember the great times we had with you all, along with Bob and Lauren

Please know that we are thinking of you both, from up here in Maine
Jim Jamie, Meghan and Jeremy Muth

Mrs.Eugene Rohrsen

May 23, 2009

I am truely sorry for your loss,Karl Beck was an extrodinary man and his accomplishments were never ending.
My husband was a friend,customer and also lived his life in his wheelchair,until he too was called to serve in 2007,what amzing men they were!
My heart goes out to you and and your family.
May all your memories bring you peace and comfort.

Teresa Kusmierczyk

May 23, 2009

Vicky and Michael -- I was chosen as Ms. Wheelchair Florida when Karl was the judging coordinator for the event in 1991. After that, I played basketball with Karl and also having him as my coach. I always described Karl as a big teddy bear. I loved his soothing voice so much. I am very saddened by the news of his accident, and I will always have fond memories of Karl. Please accept my deep sorrow and condolences for your (and our) loss.

Teresa Kusmierczyk

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