Teacher and Good Sam RV traveler
Bruce E. Beck, 73, of Oak Park and Wilmot, Wisconsin, died at home on June 29, 2015 after a long battle with cancer. He was the son of the late Herbert and Clarice Beck, who moved to Oak Park in the late ’50s and were active in their support of Oak Park%u02BCs goal as an open community. Bruce was once described in the ’70s as an “urban pioneer” by Wednesday Journal when he and his wife began investing in real estate in Oak Park.
In 1979 Bruce retired from teaching at Proviso West High School, where he served as the teachers union president for several years, to do real estate full time. He loved trips as long as he could drive, drive, drive. He and his wife RV-ed to Alaska several times, traveled Route 66 from beginning to end and visited every state except Oregon and Washington. While they were teachers, he and his wife traveled the world during the summers and later RV-ed together and occasionally with family around the U.S.
Besides being a member of several professional real estate groups, he was also an active member of the Silver Sams, a chapter of the Illinois Good Sam RV Club.
Bruce Beck is survived by Paula, his wife of 46 years; his children, Dustin (Joyce), Tracy Collins (Scott), and Bradley (Carmen); nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His oldest grandson, Blake, has spent the last year and a half with grandpa helping him enjoy his days and helping with caretaking. Family and friends have always been there to help Bruce through this journey and deserve a special thank you.
A wake will be held on Sunday, July 5 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Drechsler, Brown and Williams Funeral Home, 203 S. Marion St., Oak Park. A memorial will be held at a later date in Wilmot. His ashes will be scattered along the roads he so loved to travel as his love of travel is shared by the family.
In lieu of flowers, please support the American Cancer Society, any animal rescue, or a charity of your choice.
