Jack A. Beck, 83, of Bellefonte, was surrounded by love when he passed away at home on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Born on June 4, 1941, in Mill Hall, he was the son of the late Lester Beck, Sr. and Grace (Stayner) Beck. On October 16, 1959, he married his beloved wife, Betty (Dickey) Beck, who survives at home after sharing a beautiful 65 years of marriage together.
Always a hard working man, Jack opened his own business, Jack’s Frame Shop, in 1972, which his sons now continue to run. Over the years, Jack built rollbacks and a wrecker that he used for the business. He always preferred to build it, rather than buy it. As a testament to his work ethic, Jack straightened his last frame in October 2024 at the age of 83.
Along with his work ethic, Jack was known for his sense of humor. Infecting those around him with his laughter, Jack was always ready with a joke or a funny story. If you were lucky enough, Jack would take you on a ride to see the turkeys, which actually did not include any turkeys at all, but instead was a fast, wild ride through the fields.
Jack enjoyed working on cars, farming, and hunting. He recently restored a 1955 Ford Crown Victoria, similar to the one he had when he and Betty first began dating. He had an impressive tractor and equipment collection, which included ten International Harvester Farmalls. Jack continued farming the family farm that he grew up on; raising beef cows and crops. Jack spent many days there on what affectionately became known as “Hotdog Hill.” Gathering in his “shanty”, friends and family would spend countless hours hunting, sharing stories and jokes. More than anything, Jack loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Betty, he leaves behind a legacy of love and is survived by their five children, Pamela Paradise (Verne) of McKeesport, John Beck (Amy) of Unionville, Jerry Beck (Linda) of State College, Lori Dreibelbis (Randy) of PA Furnace, and Karen Martin (Jeff) of Lemont; 10 grandchildren: Heather Dale (Matt), Richard Musser (Bree), Jenny Paradise (Rustin), Christopher Martin (Megan), Dustin Dreibelbis (Nicole), Jeremy Beck, Josh Beck (Alisha), Derek Dreibelbis (Olivia), Brandon Martin (Jordan), and Matthew Paradise; and 10 great grandchildren: Jake Beck, Colby and Aubrey Dale, Sadee, Rafe, Hattie, and Gia Dreibelbis, Riley and Cooper Martin, and Harper Musser. Also surviving is a sister, Linda Styers (Richard) of Lock Haven, and a brother, Dean Beck (Donna) of Mill Hall.
Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings: Ellen Probst, Madelyn Sims, Grace Gira, Richard Beck, Pauline Shoemaker, and Lester Beck.
Jack was a humble, kind, honest, and hard working man who lived life to the fullest.
A celebration of Jack’s life will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Jack’s farm located at 231 Munro Road, Mill Hall, Pa. Jack’s friends and family are invited to come roast a hot dog and share the many stories of Jack.
A special thank you to the staff of 365 Hospice who cared for Jack in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38108, or at www.stjude.org/donate
Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.