Robert Van Beck

Robert L. "Bob" Van Beck, age 76 of Sauk Centre, died Sunday, October 11, 2009 at his home in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, October 16 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Todd Schneider officiating. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 8 to 9:30 a.m. Friday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre. Parish prayers will be held at 5:15 p.m. Thursday evening.

Robert Louie Van Beck was born March 1, 1933 in Elrosa, Minnesota to Anthony and Louise (Ostendorf) Van Beck. Bob enjoyed hunting and snowmobiling. In 1979, Bob placed 4th in the International 500 snowmobile race. Bob started Mueller-Van Beck Hardware with his father-in-law Henry Mueller. After his time in the hardware business, he began Van Beck Sports, dealing Arctic Cat snowmobiles and later began Van Beck Motors, dealing used cars.

Bob is survived by his daughter Carie Van Beck of Sauk Centre; granddaughter, Arian Van Beck of Sauk Centre; brothers, Martin (Harriet) Van Beck of St. Paul and Richard "Dick" (Rosie) Van Beck of Melrose; sister, Rita (Bob) Pierce of Wisconsin.

Bob was preceded in death by his first wife, Wanda on May 20, 1982; brother, Ervin Van Beck; sisters, Bernadette "Betty" Washenberger and Lorraine Hinnenkamp.

Serving as casket bearers will be Greg Schwartz, Gary Schwartz, Grant Blaskowski, Roger McIntyre, Jerry Salfer, and Jerry Frericks. Cross bearer will be Jim Anderson and scripture bearer will be Chris Frericks. Honorary casket bearers will be Bill Pierce, Tom Pierce, Jim Pierce, Alvin Thull, Wally Sand, and Bernie Wiebolt.