Alton Beck

He was born Dec. 17, 1931, in Crystal Falls, son of the late Oscar and Tunie (Alto) Beck. Alton grew up in Crystal Falls and was a graduate of Forest Park High School, class of 1950.

Following graduation, he proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1954. Alton married Helen Holtslander on April 9, 1955, in Escanaba. Following marriage, they resided in Crystal Falls.

Alton worked at Bancroft Dairy after leaving the service, then went to MA Hanna Company working as a welder and finished his career at Lodal in Kingsford. His motto was to make hay while the sun shined, which he passed on to his kids and grandkids.

He loved hunting and fishing all of his life, spending time with his uncles and father and later with his sons and grandsons at camp. Alton was an avid bowler from early on, even working as pinsetter as a kid.

He loved country music and entertaining, playing guitar, and singing. Alton performed in a band called the GlendAls with his sister Glenda and Alvin Johnson for a number of years in the Crystal Falls area. Later he was ready to sing karaoke whenever the chance presented with many favorites at the ready.

Alton joined the VFW after his discharge in 1955 and had been a continuous member ever since. He had been commander several times and also served as commander for the American Legion. Alton was active for over 50 years in meetings, conventions, recreation races, fundraisers, picnics, and anything else that came up. Name it, and he was there to help.

He was a member of the Iron County Veterans Committee, the District monthly recreation meetings at the VA, playing cards, and serving lunch at the hospital. Alton was a part of the flag posting for holidays at the VA and Evergreen Cemetery. He was given many various awards and recognitions, including Citizen of the Year with Helen, but he gave from his heart, not expecting anything in return other than help to get the job done.

Survivors include his loving wife of almost 68 years, Helen Beck; son Alan (Cindy) of Republic; daughter, Holly Novitski (Mark) of Green Bay, Wis., son Keary (Dana) of Crystal Falls, 15 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Betty Johnson, sister-in-law Cindy Holtslander, sister-in-law Shirley Beauchaine, sister-in-law Joyce (John) Hendrickson, sister Jeanne (Russ) Musich, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Many in town called him “Popps,” and he felt they were like family too.

In addition to his parents, Alton was preceded in death by daughter, Charlene Beck; daughter, Susan Stoor; son-in-law, Don Stoor; sister, Glenda Beck; brother-in-law, Orlando Echola; brother-in-law, John Holtslander; brother-in-law, Fred Beveridge; and sister-in-law, Barbara Beveridge.

The family wishes to thank the staff and friends at Iron County Medical Care Facility for the care and kindness given while Alton was there.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 6, at 1:30 p.m., at the Tufts Rondon VFW in Crystal Falls.

Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Alton’s family at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.

The family has chosen Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls, to honor Alton’s legacy of life.