Donald Duane Beck

Donald Duane Beck, 85, of Detroit Lakes, MN passed away on February 27, 2024, at Pelican Landing in Detroit Lakes MN.   

Don was born September 3, 1939, in Frazee, MN to Darrell and Nellie (Weber) Beck.  He attended elementary and secondary school in Detroit Lakes, MN.   Don spent time helping on the family mink farm, serving on the Ski Patrol at Detroit Mountain and bowling at the family bowling alley.

Don served in Minnesota Army National Guard in Detroit Lakes from 1956 to 1965.

He graduated from North Dakota State College of Science with a degree in Architectural Drafting and Surveying in 1959. He was employed with Larson-Peterson and Associates, Consulting Municipal Engineers for 38 years.  He utilized his professional skills to design and serve as contractor in building their two homes.  He also worked on the design for the United Methodist Church and co-chair of the building committee.   

He married Grace Tvete on May 28, 1960, at LaMoure, ND.  He and Grace were married for 63 years.  They raised one son, Michael. They made their home on South Shore of Big Detroit Lake.   He enjoyed cruising and water skiing in his blue speed boat which he built.  He also enjoyed sailing and canoeing on Big Detroit Lake.

He was an advocate for the Boy Scout program. From 1969-1972, he was the Webelos Pack 605 leader. Don was scoutmaster for Detroit Lakes Troop 648 for 14 years. During that time, 11 scouts from the troop became Eagle Scouts. In 1976, he attended BSA Wood Badge Course in Camp Wilderness. He served as scoutmaster to Troop 705 which attended the National Scout Jamboree in Moraine State Park PA. He served another 22 years as a Wood Badge, adult leader trainer and a council commissioner. In 1979, he received the Silver Beaver Award from Northern Lights Council, which is the highest award given at the council level. In 1980, he became Vigil Member of the Boy Scout Order of the Arrow.

From 1988 to 2021, Don and Grace enjoyed training, showing, breeding and trail riding with their Morgan horses on their Fox Crest Morgan farm. They enjoyed trail riding trips to Minnesota, Wyoming, South Dakota and North Dakota.  Don was devoted to the care of all the herd but especially Prairie Hill Patrick and Fox Crest Showboy, his trail riding partners.   Don was active in the North Dakota Morgan Horse Association and Midwest Minnesota Harness Club.  While working on the farm, he would pause to watch all the wildlife that came to visit.    He especially admired his resident deer.   

Don was an avid hunter.  He enjoyed trips to the deer camp during muzzleloader and bow hunting seasons. 

Don is survived by his wife, Grace, son, Michael (Dawn) of Prior Lake, MN, grandson, Charles, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Darrell, and mother, Nellie.  

A memorial service will be Monday, March 11, 2024, 1 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Detroit Lakes.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to Hospice of the Red River Valley or Lakes Crisis and Resource Center.