Gerald "Gerry" Beck, 85, went home to be with his Savior on September 10, 2023, at Silverado St. Charles Memory Care with his loving wife and son by his side. He was a generous and compassionate husband, family man, and physician who will be greatly missed.

Gerry, the oldest son of Melvin and Rosella Beck, was born on June 7th, 1938. He and his three siblings were raised on a homestead farm in "God's Country," Fairfield, MT. Life on the farm meant hard work and from a young age, he was expected to help by driving the combine, hauling hay bales, and feeding the animals. His fondest memories involved milking the cows, all of whom he had named.

After high school graduation, this humble farm boy went off to the big city of Moorhead, MN to earn his bachelor's degree from Concordia College. He originally enrolled in the dental program at the University of North Dakota, but the Lord led him to pursue medicine. He earned his medical degree from Northwestern University Chicago and became the first resident in the pioneering field of radiation oncology.

Gerry served his country during the Vietnam War in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant in the Medical Corps stationed in the Mediterranean from 1965-1967.

In 1971, Gerry was introduced to Gerta, a young widow with three boys. He made the long drive from the city to Orland Park, IL for their first date and was completely unphased when the three boys hung on him as soon as he walked in the door. The couple dated for a year and were married on June 10th, 1972. In 1973, with the boys' blessing, he adopted Brad (6), and twins Matthew(5), and Mark(5). The family of five moved into a fixer-upper in LaGrange Park, IL where they resided for 46 years. Gerry and a friend spent seven years renovating the home.  In 1974, Gerry and Gerta welcomed their first daughter, Jorilyn. The family became complete with the birth of twins Gregory and Bethany in 1976. He purchased the home next door for his mother-in-law, "Nana," and she became a loving and invaluable part of the family for 25 years.

Gerry started his medical career by opening the new department of radiation oncology at Rush Oak Park Hospital. He was an empathetic and well-loved physician who treated over 10,000 patients between five hospitals within the near-west suburbs of Chicago. He treated his staff and patients like family. During his 40 years of practice, he made sure each patient felt cared for, answering questions and providing comfort through prayers.

After retiring, Gerry and Gerta enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. with his siblings. As a benevolent servant of the Lord, he generously contributed his time and money to help anyone who was in need. He volunteered with Samaritan's Purse to help clean up after the 2013 flooding in Colorado. Ever the helpful farm boy, Gerry enjoyed making his wife happy by hauling dirt and watering everything they planted at Windsor Park. The couple enjoyed attending the Lyric Opera and Chicago Symphony. He would often bring his kids to watch Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen of the Bulls win double three-peat championships. He celebrated when the Cubs broke the 108-year-old curse and won the World Series in 2016.

Gerry considered his greatest blessing to be his family. Biennially Gerry, Gerta, and all six kids piled into the maxi van, pulling the popup camper to celebrate Swim Day in Fairfield, MT. He was a loving, attentive Grandpa/Papa to his seven grandsons and two granddaughters. He enjoyed watching their dance recitals, cheering at various baseball, soccer, and hockey games, fishing, and giving horsey back rides.  He never forgot to send birthday cards and bragged about his children and grandkids in the triennial family Christmas letter.

Gerry was a warm, gentle man who will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 51 years, Gerta, his children, Brad (Angie) Beck, Mark (Joann) Beck, Matthew (Kimberly Singleton) Beck, Jorilyn (Todd) Toles, Gregory (Cherie) Beck, and Bethany (Brandon) Hansen. His beloved grandchildren, Andrew Beck, Evan Beck, Michael Beck, Ryan Beck, Emily Rienow, Ethan Beck, Benjamin Toles, Olivia Hansen, and Silas Hansen will miss their Grandpa/Papa. Sister Darlene (Ray) Knuckey, and brothers Dale (Chuckie) Beck, and Marlin (Gail Oss) Beck mourn the loss of their big bother. He is also survived by his Aunt Lois Stark, many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Covenant Living Windsor Park, 124 Windsor Park Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188 on Friday, October 20th at 2 pm. A private interment will be held on Saturday, October 21st at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso, IN.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to https://alz.org/FallMatch2x for Alzheimer research.