Frederick Beck

Frederick H. Beck, 86, of Rockford, died Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born February 6, 1927, in Eatontown, New Jersey, the son of Frederick J. and Anne (Tilman) Beck. As a young boy he joined the Boy Scouts of America where at age 16 he attained the rank of Eagle Scout. After enlisting in the U.S. Navy at age 17, spending 2 years on active duty, he returned home and joined the Naval Air Reserve, as well as beginning his studies of engineering at Champlain College in Champlain, New York and concluded his education at Newark College of Engineering. He retired as a chief Petty Officer after 39 years in the Naval Air Reserve. He was proud to be a veteran. He began a lifelong career in aviation spending 28 years with the aerospace division of General Electric in both New York City and later in Erie, Pennsylvania and continued his career with 18 years of employment with Sundstrand Corporation. As a result of this long, aviation career he traveled extensively all over the world. Upon retirement from Sundstrand, he started a successful aviation sales consulting business retiring at age 82.

He was proud of his 35 year membership in The Wings Club, Inc., an organization based on civic leadership, patriotism and support to the development of aeronautics. He was also a long time member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and the Alpine Kiwanis Club.

Fred is survived by Marie (Miskowitz) Beck, his loving wife of more than 64 years, of Rockford; daughter Kyle (Glenn) Campbell of Indiana, Pennsylvania and son Jeffrey (Chris) of Rockford. He also leaves behind 3 grandchildren, Derek Campbell, Jillian Cournoyer and Kimberly Austin and 4 great grandchildren, Campbell, Quinn and Avery Cournoyer and Travis Austin, all of whom will miss him greatly. He also leaves behind his sister Carol van den Boom of Apex, NC; and his brother Robert (Jane) Beck of Tulsa, OK. He was preceded in death by a son, Randy, in 1974.

A Memorial Service will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel, on 1860 S. Mulford Road. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Northern Illnois Hospice and Grief Center or Wesley Willows Good Samaritan Fund. The family wishes to thank the special caregivers of Wesley Willows Home Care Services and the nurses of Northern Illinois Hospice who cared so compassionately for Fred. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com