Obituary - Lillian E. Beck

Lillian E. Beck, 93, passed away peacefully in her sleep in Missoula. Montana, on April 30, 2015.

Lillian was born on Aug, 24, 1921, in Bowdoin, Montana, to Emil and Florence Akerlund. She grew up on the homestead in the Harb area, embracing the gospel story at age 12. Lillian attended school in Harb and Malta, except for her junior year, which was spent in New Mexico with her lifelong friend Mary Isabelle (Morris) Adams.

After high school graduation in 1939 she received a scholarship to attend the Great Falls College from which she also graduated.  

Lillian met her future husband, John, at Geraldine convention and they were married in Needles, California, on June 27, 1942 after John had been drafted into the Army. In August 1943, when John was sent to serve in the Pacific Theater, Lillian returned to Montana, and on Oct. 8,  their first child, Connie, was born. During the war she worked for the U.S. Customs while caring for their daughter until John’s return in the fall of 1945.  

Together they raised their children on the family farm while operating the family business, Beck & Akerlund, with Lillian’s brother Ollie. After the kids were raised, Lillian not only cared for her parents for many years in her home, but also cared for her beloved husband, John, prior to his death on March 18, 1984. After John’s death Lillian sorely missed her companion of 42 years.

Lillian lived in Havre for 69 years and for 62 of those years she felt honored to have a Sunday morning fellowship meeting in her home.

In 2012 she moved to Pleasantview in Missoula, Montana, where she resided until her death. This time was very cherished by her daughters and son who reside in Missoula, allowing them to spend precious time with their mother.  

Lillian’s hospitality was known to many. The Beck household was always full of activity, not only with their own family, but with frequent guests often sitting around the big table having wonderful fellowship while enjoying Lillian’s awesome cooking. Lillian’s joys included spending time with her family and friends, working in her garden, as well as her love for music and singing the hymns. She was often found sitting next to her children on the piano bench, encouraging them to practice, attending choir concerts or inviting others to the home to sing and play instruments. Because of this, even today all her children appreciate music. Even in her last days though her strength was gone, Lillian would play that little harmonica, never forgetting those hymns so precious to her. Above all, she was very committed to her faith and always stood true to her convictions — qualities that we all respect and appreciate today.

Lillian is survived by her children, Vernon Beck, Vicky (Wes) Langley, Neil (Thora) Beck, Beverly Leibrand and Patti Doyle; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; nieces, Lillian (Forrest) Nelson and Carol Smith; nephews, Herb (Dorothy) Erickson and Bill (Glenda) Erickson; and a sister-in-law, Lyla Akerlund.  

Lillian was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Connie; husband, John; brother, Oliver; son-in-law, Jim Doyle; and sister-in-law, Thelma and her husband Bill Erickson.

A service will be held Tuesday, May 12, 1 p.m. at Hi-Line Funeral Services of Havre, 310 Dell Lane. Burial will immediately follow at the Hill County Cemetery, followed by a potluck (finger food) luncheon at the funeral home.