Mike was born on January 4, 1949, to James E. and Helen E. Beck in Deadwood, SD. He attended Deadwood Public School and graduated in 1968. As a youngster, Mike spent most of his summer days with his brothers and sisters swimming at the Deadwood City Pool. In high school, Mike received recognition as a football player, which he often remembered fondly.
Mike worked road construction in Deadwood, but eventually enlisted in the US Navy from January 20, 1969, to December 18, 1972, as a boatswain's mate on the USS Juneau (LPD-10). The USS Juneau did missions in the Tonkin Gulf of Vietnam. Upon discharge from the Navy, Mike returned home to Deadwood and eventually followed the energy boom to Gillette, WY, where he worked at the Amax Belle Ayr Mine (coal). Mike met and married Barbara Fiermonte. James M. Beck, was born on June 25, 1980. Mike and Barb separated and Mike returned to South Dakota in 1988, to work as an underground mechanic in the Homestake Mine, Lead, SD, until the mine closed in 2002.
In 1988, Mike met and eventually married his new neighbor, Renel Hall. Mike and Renel welcomed Tyler C. Beck, born November 25, 1992, and Kristine E. Beck, born April 13, 1994, to the family. Upon Homestake's closure, Mike took his skills to the Spearfish Forest Products sawmill and worked as a Mill Wright (mechanic) until his retirement in 2012.
As a supportive father and husband, Mike often had to keep the home fires burning while Renel was gone on military duty. Mike took the reigns as a single parent during Renel's 2007/2008 deployment, at a time when few fathers had this role.
No one loved animals more than Mike (although he never wanted anymore pets, somehow the family still continued to grow). As a hunter, fisherman, and friend to all wild animals, he was active in the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Renel often asked him why he drove miles away to deer hunt when a herd of deer, fed by him, walked through the yard each night.
During his retirement years, Mike's golf game improved substantially. He was able to complete two rounds of golf the week of his passing with friends. In turn, he joined Renel on several trips around the world.
Mike, you are loved and missed. Life will not be the same.
Michael "Mike" Beck, 71, of Sturgis, was taken from us suddenly on Friday, April 3, 2020.
Mike is survived by his spouse, Renel Hall-Beck; children, James, Tyler, and Kristine Beck; mother, Helen E. Beck; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, James E. Beck; brothers, Gary Beck, and Patrick Beck; and sisters, Patti Farrell, and Kimberly Tarrell.
Private family services were held.
"Good Bye my friend. My love. My Dad."

Due to the current Covid-19 virus environment, the family would like to thank you for all of your thoughts of love and prayers. We regret that a traditional ceremony cannot take place.

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