John C. Beck

John Charles "Jack" Beck, 83, of Goshen, died Saturday morning, May 31, 2014 at the Gables at Greencroft Goshen. He was born on March 8, 1931, in Mishawaka, to Chester and Ada (Greenwood) Beck. In 1949 he graduated from the former Central High School, South Bend. On June 22, 1952, he married Mary Jo Hostetler at Harris Prairie Church of Christ in Granger. Together they raised five children. Jack was working for Indiana & Michigan Electric Company in 1960 when he followed his dream to be a business owner and purchased Twin Pines Mobile Home Park, moving his family to Goshen. Over the next 16 years Jack expanded the business, purchasing a large parcel of adjacent land, undertaking the majority of the work himself, he provided inexpensive housing options to many young families and retirees. During that time he was a member of the IMHA, an Elkhart Township Volunteer Fireman, charter member of the Goshen Noon Exchange Club, and Goshen Chamber of Commerce Civic Affairs Committee. He received the Exchange Club book of Golden Deeds Award in 2003. Jack sold the business in 1976, and enjoyed a short-lived retirement. He served as Street Commissioner of Goshen from 1977-1984, re-retiring after his appointment ended. Jack, a pilot who flew for pleasure, was appointed to the Goshen Board of Aviation commissioners by Mayor Steve Chisick in 1976, and served two more terms under Mayor Max Chiddister. He was president of the board 10 of his 12 years of service and proud of the development of corporate hangars, the purchase by the city of the T hangars and construction of new hangars, installation of the localizer radio system, renovation and extension of the concrete parking ramp, improved rotating beacon and the glideslope project. He was a member of the South Bend Studebaker Club, happily driving the cars for parades and pleasure. Jack completely enjoyed 41 years as a SEABEE with the Sixth Reserve Naval Construction regiment, retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. He and his late wife Mary Jo traveled the world, enjoying twenty winters in Green Valley Arizona where Jack also did volunteer construction work for the American Indian Christian Mission. He is a member of Goshen Christian Church. Mary Jo preceded him in death in 2009. He is survived by his children, Mary (Dan) Pinckert, of Goshen, Jean (Cliff) Van Guilder, of New Paris, Mike Beck, of Monahans, Tex., Jim Beck, of Tucson, Ariz., Jerry (Patty) Beck, of Goshen; a brother, Howard (Judy) Beck, of Granger; mother-in-law, Mary Hostetler, of Green Valley, Ariz.; brother-in-law, Joe (Kris) Hostetler, of Green Valley, Ariz.; sister-in-law, Edna Feran, of North Charleston, S.C.; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and five nieces and nephews. Growing up Jack taught his children the meaning of hard work, honesty and humility, his faith played out daily, bravely battling Parkinson's disease, and cancer with a positive attitude and a smile, never showing weakness, always being the leader finishing the job that was before him. Well done good and faithful servant, we will always love and miss you, but so look forward to meeting again in heaven. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 2, 2014 at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, where a 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2014 funeral service will be held. Pastor Kim Huffman, of the Goshen Christian Church will officiate. Burial will follow in Violett Cemetery, Goshen. Memorial contributions in Jack's memory may be given to the Goshen Christian Church.