Leland “Lee” W. Beeck, age 78, of 10421 Whitefish Hill Road, Rapid River, MI died Tuesday evening February 7, 2006 following a lengthy illness at the St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba where he was a patient. Leland was born June 22, 1927 in Two Rivers, WI the son of Roland and Erma (Schmidt) Beeck. He was raised in Garden and enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 where he served his country from 1944 to 1948. On July 19, 1950 in Hale, MI he was united in marriage to the former Leona Slosser and they made their home in Bay City, MI. They resided in Bay City until 1960 when they moved to Gould City and Lee was employed by the Lakehead Pipeline. In 1965 they relocated to Rapid River and Lee retired from the Lakehead Pipeline in 1989.

Lee was a member of the Rapid River Congregational Church in Rapid River and his hobbies included woodworking, fishing and he was a superior checker player. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Following his retirement, Lee and Leona enjoyed spending the winter month’s in Apache Junction, AZ.

In addition to his wife Leona, survivors include:

1 Son: Mike (Glenda) Beeck of Apache Junction, AZ

6 Daughters: Debbie (Larry) Blahnik of Rapid River; Dresden (Joe Pach) DuRoy of Wells, MI; Drenda Beech of Morrisonville, N.Y.; Teddy Johnson of Escanaba; Darbie Beeck of Apache Junction, AZ; Donnie (Dan) Pudas of Iron River, WI

2 Brothers: Mel (Audrie) Beeck of Apache Junction, AZ; Chuck (Leona) Beeck of Sanford, MI; 10 Grandchildren, 11 Great Grandchldren and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by:

2 Brothers: Gilbert and Russell Beeck

1 Sister: Romona Acker

Lee’s family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life of Leland W. Beeck will follow at 2:00 P.M. at the Rapid River Congregational Church with Rev. William Rafuse officiating. Luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Memorial contributions in memory of Lee may be directed to the Rapid River Congregational Church, envelopes will be available at the church or at the Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes.