Bussmann Family

Mary Louise Beck, the daughter of Thomas Thomas and Edith (Carstensen) Thomas was born May 1, 1944, in Spencer, Iowa. She graduated from the Spencer school system in 1962, and enrolled in Lindenwood College, in St. Charles, Mo. where she graduated with a B.A. Degree in economics.

Following her graduation, Mary returned to Spencer and married her high school sweetheart, Jerry Beck on August 15, 1965. They briefly made their home in Sibley, where their only child, Elizabeth, was born. Shortly following, Jerry and Mary moved to the Beck farmstead southeast of Spencer where she resided for the balance of her life.

Growing up in Spencer, Mary was a saddle club drill team captain and spent many hours and days on her favorite horse, Thunder, with her friends. Her involvement with horses continued after she married when she and Jerry, along with Jerry's brother Jim, had a large horse breeding and showing operation based on the farm. She also enjoyed raising and showing Australian Shepherds with her daughter Elizabeth. She kept Aussies throughout her life.

Her primary focus was taking care of her family, home and farm; various jobs outside of the house included teaching Economics at the Spencer School of Business and serving as a Clay County Magistrate for several years. Mary was involved in several groups and clubs in the area, including P.E.O., which has been a significant part of her life for the last 50 years. The many sweaters and afghans she was always knitting were a great source of pride and enjoyment for her and coveted gifts received by family and friends. She was an avid bridge and card player, being involved in several different bridge clubs around town and was always up for a game.

After a brief illness, Mary passed away at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Saturday, February 16, 2013 at the age of 68.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Edith Thomas; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Orval and Alberta Beck.