Lillian (Akerlund) Beck Obituary

As published in the Harve Daily News on 8 May 2015:

Lillian E. Beck, 93, passed away peacefully in her sleep in Missoula, on 30 April 2015.

Lillian was born on 24 August 1921, in Bowden, Montana, to Emil and Florence Akerlund. She grew up on the homestead in the Harb area, embracing the gospel story at age 12. Lillian attended school in Harb and Malta, except for her junior year, which was spent in New Mexico with her lifelong friend Mary Isabelle (Morris) Adams.

After high school graduation in 1939 she received a scholarship to attend the Great Falls College from which she also graduated.

Lillian met her future husband, John, at Geraldine convention and they were married in Needles, California, on 27 June 1942 after John had been drafted into the Army. In August 1943, when John was sent to serve in the Pacific Theater, Lillian returned to Montana, and on 8 October, their first child, Connie, was born. During the war she worked for the U.S. Customs while caring for their daughter until John's return in the fall of 1945.

Together they raised their children on the family farm while operating the family business, Beck & Akerlund, with Lillian's brother Ollie. After the kids were raised, Lillian not only cared for her parents for many years in her home, but also cared for her beloved husband, John, prior to his death on 18 March 1984. After John's death, Lillian sorely missed her companion of 42 years.

Lillian lived in Havre for 69 years and for 62 of those years she felt honored to have a Sunday morning fellowship meeting in her home.

In 2012 she moved to Pleasantview in Missoula, Montana, where she resided until her death. This time was very cherished by her daughters and son, who reside in Missoula, allowing them to spend precious time with their mother.

Lillian's hospitality was known to many. The Beck household was always full of activity, not only with their own family, but with frequent guests often sitting around the big table having wonderful fellowship while enjoying Lillian's awesome cooking. Lillian's joys included spending time with her family and friends, working in her garden, as well as her love for music and singing the hymns. She was often found sitting next to her children on the piano bench, encouraging them to practice, attending choir concerts or inviting others to the home to sing and play instruments. Because of this, even today all her children appreciate music. Even in her last days though her strength was gone, Lillian would play that little harmonica, never forgetting those hymns so precious to her. Above all, she was very committed to her faith and always stood true to her convictions -- qualities that we all respect and appreciate today.

Lillian is survived by five children and two of their two spouses, eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, nephews, and a sister-in-law.

Lillian was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Connie; husband, John; brother, Oliver; son-in-law, Jim Doyle; and sister-in-law, Thelma and her husband, Bill Erickson.

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Harve Daily News, 4 April 2015