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John Beck Obituary
John Jacob Beck Jr. passed away on April 12, 2021, at his home in Petersburg, Michigan. He died of heart failure at the age of 79. He was born in Monroe, Michigan, on November 10, 1941. John graduated from Summerfield High School in 1959, Adrian College and a M.A. in History from Toledo University. He attended several summer sessions at Harvard and U of M. John retired from teaching at Bowsher High School in Toledo after more than 25 years. He enjoyed traveling, spending one month each year in Paris (his favorite city).
He became a voracious collector of fine books, art, and assorted antiques. He loved music and was an accomplished saxophonist. He was a member of the St. James Fitness Club in Toledo, OH and swam daily. John was also an author and published the Hickman Award Winning Book, "MacArthur and Wainwright- Sacrifice of the Philippines-".
John was preceded in death by his parents, Eleanor and John Beck Sr. He was very dedicated to their health and wellbeing in their later years. He is survived by his sister, Janel Humphrey and her husband Herb of Atlanta, GA; nephews, Brent, Blake and Jacob and their wives, Maria, Heather, and Krystle; grandnieces, Amelia and Eleanor; and grandnephew, Hayden.
John's family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the Petersburg Volunteer Fire Department, his Petersburg neighbors and his friend Jim Cobak.
They ask that any donations in his name go to the Petersburg Volunteer Fire Department.
To send the family condolences please go online to:
capaulfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Beck
Sponsored by Capaul Funeral Home.
Patty Maccariella-Hafey
April 18, 2022
My heart goes out to Mr. Beck's family. He was one of my favorite teaches at Bowsher High School. I will always remember him.
Susan Hooper
May 31, 2021
I just remembered something about John I want to share - At the estate sales, if I were ahead of him in line - he'd always ask me if I saw any HOTEL NICKLE SILVER for sale - I never knew what it was til a few minutes ago - it is nickel teapots, sugar bowls that were plated with silver with advertising from a hotel. Just wanted to share - now I will never forget!
Susan Hooper
May 31, 2021
Such a dear, sweet man - I loved seeing him and visiting while waiting in line at the Estate Sales we attended. Always a smile for everyone! He will fondly remembered and greatly missed.
Steven Hurst
May 11, 2021
I just want to thank you Mr. Beck. You were a unique educator and until this day I still credit you with my thirst for knowledge. I did not appreciate your teaching techniques at the time but I do consider myself fortunate to have been a pupil of yours. Rest peacefully knowing many of your former pupils proudly continue your legacy.
LOLITA HOSBACH
April 30, 2021
Janel and Family,
I know many years have passed since our last interaction, but I wanted to reach out to you and your family during your time of sadness and remembrance.
I know no words of sympathy can ease your loss, but I hope you find some comfort in knowing others truly care.
Your past classmate,
Lolita Hosbach aka Lola Romero
Rob and Pat Suttle
April 28, 2021
We were so sorry to hear about John. I remember the family reunions in Blissfield, Michigan when we were children and listening to John play the saxophone. We always enjoyed getting together for dinner especially at Angelo's Northwood Villa and talking about the estate sales that we had been to and the treasures we had found. John is missed!
April 26, 2021
Mr. Beck was my teacher at Bowsher and the way he taught with passion and humor still resonates with me today. His famous line to all of us was to, "Read, Study & Comprehend" and once in a while he'd play his sax for us. He loved what he did and we were fortunate to have him in both junior high and high school!
Nancy Misavage Rhonehouse
Tom and Faye
April 26, 2021
Sorry to hear this news, our sympathy goes out his friends and family. We used to see John at various sales looking for books, his way of staying active he'd say. He was always kind and shared his love of collecting books.
Lynn Jacquot
April 25, 2021
John was a great teacher. His love of history and social studies was apparent in his teaching, and he helped inspire my love of learning. I often ran into him later when I had my own businesses (antique shops) and he was still such a gentleman and a scholar. We talked about painting and artists and he was still so curious and interested in learning. I am sorry his light is no longer in this world, but grateful he was my teacher.
Katherine davies
April 25, 2021
So saddened to hear of John’s passing. We looked forward to seeing John at our estate sales every week. He was liked by all and a great gentleman. He will be sorely missed by all in our community.
Rob Ludeman
April 24, 2021
John (Mr.Beck) was a fine teacher and friend. He was my Junior High teacher when there was a Junior High at Bowsher. In 8th grade I challenged him to a 100 yard dash, which I won, and he challenged me to a 400 yard run, which he won. Several years later we both worked at Sprenger's Men's Store part time and became friends. I am so saddened to hear about his passing. A really fine man! BHS Rebels Class of '71.
Timm DiMascio
April 24, 2021
Thoughts and Prayers to Family and Friends !! Once a Rebel always a Rebel. Bowsher H.S. Grad 1984
April 23, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
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