born on December 16, 1923
in Chicago, Illinois

died on June 16, 1996
in Joliet, Illinois

William Nelson Beck, Jr.

John Bernard Beck

Belinda Jo Beck

Joliet Herald News 1996
Argonne National Lab

Nelson's Biography by his mother
Charlie Chakour, 1964
Charlie Chakour, 1997

Jim Bottcher's letter
Nelson's Ceremony
University of Chicago

After World War II was over, Nelson completed college and stayed on as an instructor, teaching Spanish and physics. Nelson met Beverly when he volunteered to pick up a carload of new freshman at the train station. She was sitting next to him as they drove to the campus. Beverly forgot her toothbrush, so the two drove to the store to buy one. He asked her on a date shortly after that.

Nelson proposed marriage by asking, "Do you love me enough to marry me." At Christmas time he gave Beverly an engagement ring and they were married February 6, 1948. Nelson and Beverly moved to Vermillon, South Dakota, so Nelson could begin his Masters studies at the University of South Dakota. A year later, when the Korean War broke out, a well paying job at Globe Aircraft in Joliet was offered to Nelson.

Three years later he was hired at Argonne National Lab doing research work in atomic energy. Raising a family of three children became the priority to Beverly and Nelson. When the youngest was in school Beverly continued her Bachelor of Music studies at St. Francis College in Joliet. She graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor of Music degree and a teaching certificate. Beverly taught in the Joliet Elementary School system for 15 years.

When the children finished college, Beverly and Nelson began traveling around the world. Their travels include: Cozumel, Mexico in 1980; Europe in 1983; South America in 1982; China in 1984; Alaska in 1986; Spain, Portugal, North Africa in 1987; Russia in 1989; Ireland in 1991; East Coast of the USA in 1992; and Greece, Egypt, Israel, and Turkey in 1993.

Rites Held For Infant Son of Mitchell Couple

Funeral Services for David Beck, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Beck of Mitchell, will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the grave in Graceland Cemetery with Dr. F.E. Lochridge officiating. The baby was born Saturday, Jan. 15 at a local hospital and died Sunday afternoon. He is survived by his parents.