Linda Beck
Linda Beck
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. — Linda Beck, proud mother of three, grandmother of six, loyal friend, sister and steadfast neighbor, passed away peacefully at the age of 76 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly.
Born in Escanaba, Michigan, Linda was the second of five children to Marven and Lenore Palmgren. She graduated from Bark River-Harris High School in 1967. During her high school years, her faith blossomed; church life became her anchor, and she even considered becoming a missionary–until she met Bruce, and her life took a beautiful new direction. Although she chose a different path, she never let go of her promise to serve others in meaningful ways.
It was on the steps of Salem Lutheran Church that Linda first met Bruce–the love of her life. They were married there in 1969. Over the next 20 years, they made their home in Bark River and welcomed their three children: Jeff (1972), Trina (1974), and Kristie (1978). With three active kids in sports, Linda spent countless hours cheering in bleachers, carpooling, and keeping everyone moving. She also poured her heart into her church community–making brush blankets, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, and leading adult Bible study.
In 1989, Linda graduated from Michigan Tech with a degree in computer science and began her career at IBM, where she worked until 2013. While living in Rochester, she continued to serve through Sunday school, Stephen Ministries, and the Interfaith Hospitality Network, supporting families experiencing homelessness.
In 2010, Bruce and Linda purchased their retirement home on the 16th hole of the Pines Golf Course in Lake Arrowhead, WI. Linda embraced retirement with the same wholehearted enthusiasm she brought to everything. She volunteered in social ministry at church, taught crafts at Vacation Bible School, and lovingly made quilts for Lutheran World Relief. And in her free time? Linda LIVED TO GOLF. She played in four leagues, kept meticulous spreadsheets of her scores and statistics, and always chased that elusive hole-in-one.
Her creativity found a home in her many family projects–photo books, calendars, baby albums, anniversary collections, wedding books, vacation keepsakes, and even a full family history. She made these treasures for everyone she loved, weaving memories into gifts meant to last.
Linda is survived by her mother, Lenore Palmgren; daughters Trina (Matt) Leth and Kristie (Wade) Fiedler; grandchildren Payton Thompson (Cole Burke), Kolton Fiedler (Payton McManimon), Alex & Colin Beck, and Jackson Lopez; sisters Sandy Palmgren (Karen Karnel) and Tina Palmgren; brothers Gary (Char) Palmgren and Kelly (Debb Eberhardt); and her dear friends Bonnie Kay Curtin, Patti Kay, and Pat Beck.
She was preceded in death by her father Marven Palmgren, her beloved husband of 52 years Bruce Beck, her son Jeff Beck, and her grandson Damien Beck.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined Linda for her celebration of life in October–a day filled with stories, laughter, and love that she cherished deeply. Special thanks to the Interim HealthCare team, especially Dustin Groshek, for their tender care during Linda’s final days; to Pastor Margo of Woodland Lutheran Church; and to Herman-Taylor Funeral Home.
Services will be at Woodland Lutheran Church – 280 14th Avenue, Nekoosa, WI. 54457 on Saturday, November 22nd with Visitation starting at 10:00 AM, church service at 11:30 AM with lunch following.