A resident of Shakopee, Gary was 68 years young when he passed away peacefully in the presence of his family the afternoon of Sunday, July 15, 2012 at Golden Valley Regency Hospital in Golden Valley, MN.
The Celebration of Life Service will be on Friday, July 20 at 6 pm, with visitation two hour prior all at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home 833 South Marschall Road, Shakopee, MN. Pastor Michael Golay will officiate
Gary’ Story
Gary Arthur was born on October 5, 1943 in the family home in Austin, MN. He was the third of six children to parents, Arthur and Irene (Dahle) Beck. Gary’s childhood years were spent in Hayfield, excelling in sports. Enjoying the sound of cracking helmets, Gary was a middle line backer and captain for the Hayfield Vikings team. He also participated in wrestling and Golden Glove Boxing. During the summer months, Gary earned extra cash lending a helping hand on his uncle’s farms. In his free time, he enjoyed rabbit and pheasant hunting, with his brother.
Graduating from Hayfield High School in 1962, Gary soon became a young father to Therese and Troy. Moving his family to Shakopee for work, Gary spent the next 35 years working as a dedicated machine operator for Anchor Glass Factory, until he retired.
Life became complete, when Gary was introduced to Sally Malzahn. Her mother knew he would be a great man for her little girl. A love for dancing, Gary soon swept Sally off her feet and they exchanged wedding vows on October 14, 1967. They were blessed with three children, Justine, Travis and Tania.
A family man, Gary enjoyed weekend motorcycle trips with his wife. A supportive father, Gary coached and cheered on his children in their sporting events. After retiring, his focus was taking exceptional care of Sally. Gary especially loved those date nights at Culvers. His favorite trip was celebrated in Israel on their 40th wedding anniversary. The highlight of the trip was being baptized by Pat Boone in the Jordan River. He would love to tell the story! Throughout his life, he treasured hunting and fishing and spending time with family and friends. As a grandpa, Gary loved each of them unconditionally. He relished his family and treasured each memory created including hours and hours of euchre tournaments. He took them very seriously!!
Meticulous and hard working, Gary will be sadly missed for being the king of one liner’s. He will be best remembered for bringing laughter to any room, at any time. The next time you enjoy Wrigley’s gum, a chocolate covered cherry, banana cream pie, a bowl of popcorn, a good movie, or a Chinese buffet, think of Gary.
Forever loved, Gary will be deeply missed by his wife of almost 45 years, Sally; children, Therese (David) Isakson of Walker, Troy (Lynn) Beck of Milaca, Justine (Gene) Miller of Jordan, Travis Beck of Jordan, Tania Beck of Aurora, CO; 13 grandchildren; great-grandchildren; siblings, Robert (Judy) Beck of Shakopee, Sandra (Joe) Ketelboeter of Osakis, Jenell (Dennis) Gagne of Farmington, Ferris (Patricia) Decker of Blooming Prairie, Janice Hartzell of Texas; many other loving relatives and devoted friends.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Rachel Davis; siblings, Mary Greene, Karen Stone, Alex Decker, Barbara Decker and Marlys Decker .
Urn bearer for Gary will be his grandson, Ethan Miller.
