Leila Beck

Leila M. Beck, 85, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died August 17th, 2016 at Stone Hearth Estates in Gothenburg, Nebraska.

Leila was born June 9, 1931 in North Platte, Nebraska, daughter of Herman and Eva (Johnson) Johansen.

Leila grew up on the family farm in North Platte, the youngest of seven children.  She graduated from North Platte High School in 1949.  After graduation, she married Burton on March 26, 1950. They lived in Fremont, Nebraska before moving to the family farm north of Gothenburg.  They had four children:  Debra, Kenneth, Timmy and Tammy.

Leila was a homemaker with a love for baking and was known for her pies.  She was a member of the New Hope Evangelical Free Church where she served as church secretary for 33 years, taught Sunday School, and was involved in Women’s Missionary Society, White Cross, and Vacation Bible School.  She was active in her community serving on the District 284 school board, a member of the Etna New Hope Extension Club and a 4-H Leader.

Survivors include daughter Debra (Arlan) Jamieson of Wichita, KS and their children Michael (his wife Lizz and son Harris) and Teresa; daughter Tammy (Larry) Paulsen of Cozad, NE and their children Lauren, Drew, Jed, Colt and Jake; son Kenneth (Kelli) Beck of Gothenburg, NE and their children Jared (his wife Anna and children Xander and Addison), Jacob (his wife Dayna) and Jessica; son Timmy (SueAnn) Beck of Wichita, KS and their children Samantha and Shawn; sister Pauline MacKenzie, along with many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Leila was preceded in death by her husband Burton; her parents Herman and Eva Johansen; brothers Kenneth, Clarence, Richard and William; and her sister Dorothy.
Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Wednesday, August 24, 2016, 9:00 am - 8:00 pm with the family present from 5:00-7:00 pm.
Services will be held at Evangelical Free Church, August 25, 2016 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Robert Litzenberger officiating.
Burial will follow in the Gothenburg Cemetery, Gothenburg, Nebraska.
Memorials may be given to the Central Plains Hospice, PO Box 108, Cozad, NE 69130 or Stone Hearth Estates,110 20th St, Gothenburg, NE 69138.