William L. Beck

Dr. William Beck, a lifelong resident of Hastings, Nebraska, passed away at the age of 92 on June 10, 2024. Born May 21, 1932, to Dr. Lorne Beck and Merrie Gwendolyn (Foote) Beck. He was the eldest of three children, with sisters Margon Edney and Bettsie Specia.

From a young age, Dr. Beck developed a deep love for the outdoors, spending summers in Colorado's Poudre Canyon hiking and fly fishing – a passion instilled by his grandfather, Dr. Eugene C. Foote, and one he would later share with his own children. He was an avid pilot like his father and grandfather before him. He loved flying with his father Lorne and his son, Scott.

In addition to his love of nature and aviation, Dr. Beck was a skilled rancher and cowboy. With a small herd of cattle, he enjoyed riding horses, participating in the annual branding, and remained an enthusiastic roper well into his eighties, riding horses for most of his life.

Dr. Beck received his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, followed by a residency and degree in otolaryngology from the University of Iowa. He established a medical practice in Hastings, joining his grandfather, Dr. E.C. Foote, uncle Dr. Don Foote Senior, and cousin Dr. Don Foote Junior. He served as chief of the medical staff at Mary Lanning Hospital and was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder.

Dr. Beck was preceded in death by his first wife, Elizabeth (Hosford) Beck; his second wife, Barbara (Stickles) Beck and his dogs Poudre, Cache, Shadow, Shadow, and Shadow. He is survived by his wife, Lynette (Broomfield) Beck; the children he shares with Elizabeth (Hosford) Beck, Jeanne, Barb, Cathy, and Scott, and their grandchildren Ben, Jon Ryan, Russell, Claire, Nathan, Jaclyn, Taylor, Natalie, London, and Silas; his sisters, Margon Edney and Bettsie Specia; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

A man of many passions and accomplishments, Dr. Beck will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his profession, his love of the great outdoors, and his deep commitment to his family and community.

With family present, visitation will be held at Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home, from 5-7 p.m., on Tuesday, June 18th. Services will be Wednesday, June 19th at 10:00 a.m., at First Presbyterian Church in Hastings, NE, followed by a private family burial at Parkview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Lorne & Gwen Beck Memorial Scholarship at Hastings College, CASA, or The Arc of Adams/Clay Counties.