Susan Marie Beck, 55, of Baraga left this temporary life at her home on Tuesday, January 30 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Sue was born in Ishpeming, MI on May 24, 1945, the daughter of Emil and Lillian (Aho) Mikkola, and lived most of her early years in Champion. She graduated from Champion High School and from Northern Michigan University with a degree in music education, following which she taught elementary and secondary music in Republic and Baraga. More recently, after raising her family, she became certified in elementary education and taught kindergarten and second grade in the Baraga Area Schools. She was a member of Mission United Lutheran Church.
On August 20, 1966, she married Charles Beck, and after brief stays in Champion and Belgium, WI, they made their home in Baraga for the past 32 years. Beyond her extraordinary devotion to her family, Sue was an avid reader, enjoyed music as a listener and performer, delighted in time spent in nature at the family camp, and recently became a golf and bowling enthusiast.
Sue is survived by her husband, Charles, two sons, Eric of Appleton, WI, and Keith of Milwaukee, WI, two brothers, Allen (Donna) Mikkola, of Chardon, OH, and Donald (Sharon) Mikkola, of Toivola, a brother-in-law Leonard (Carol) Beck of Champion, and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as many special friends and colleagues. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitations will be held at the Mission United Lutheran Church in Pelkie from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, and from 12:00 noon till 1:00 p.m. on Friday. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the church on Friday, Feb. 2, with Rev. Michael Laakko officiating. Burial will be in the Pelkie Cemetery in the spring.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, contributions in Sue's memory can be made to the Baraga County Home Care and Hospice, or to the Mission United Lutheran Church.
The Sirard Funeral Home of Baraga is assisting the family.
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