Glenda F. Beck

Glenda F. Beck, 86, of South Sioux City, passed away Monday, January 11, 2021.   A visitation will be Friday, January 15, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. and the funeral for family and close friends on Monday, January 18, 2021, both at Hope Lutheran Church in South Sioux City.  Burial will be in Woodbine, Iowa.  

Glenda was born the daughter of Gerald and Mabel (Neff) Pearson on October 8, 1934 in rural Howe, NE.  She graduated Valedictorian of the Class of 1952 from Stella High School in Stella, NE Following graduation, she attended secretarial school at Commercial Extension School of Commerce in Omaha, NE.  She began employment at Allied Mills in Omaha. Through friends, she met her future husband, Earl E. Peterson and they were married on December 20, 1953.  They made their home in Omaha and Millard for several years before moving to the Soldier/Ute and Mapleton area.  She enjoyed spending time helping Earl on the farm.  From this union, six children were born.

She was employed at IBP and Tyson corporate offices for 37 years until her retirement. She lived in the Allen area for 38 years.

Glenda met Joe Beck and they married on June 5, 1982. She welcomed Joe’s 6 adult children and 3 grandchildren into their combined family. She enjoyed both families expanding with more grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Glenda will be remembered for her love of family, especially when she could have large gatherings She enjoyed gardening and canning, was a great baker, and was big on helping and serving others.  She was a gifted pianist and organist plus enjoyed using her vocal talents for choir and special occasions.

Glenda is survived by her children: Susan (Carl) Grovogel of Sioux Falls, Doug Peterson of Jackson, Shirley (Roger) Mahoney of Vermillion, Daniel Peterson of Albion, Sharon (Bob) Zimmerman of Edmond, OK, and Janet Jackson of Sioux City; 26 grandchildren and 51 great-grandchildren with 3 more on the way; Joe’s children: Julie (widow of Greg) Beck of AZ, Tom (Cheryl) Beck of AZ, Pat (Jane) Beck of CO, Teresa Charlson of SD, Larry Beck of AR, Mark (Lori) Beck of KS, 15 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; sisters, Kay (Russ) Hicks of Beatrice and Joy Pearson of Henning, MN: many nieces, nephews, cousins, a longtime close friend, Arlene McCart-Brandes of Bellevue; and her beloved cat, Buddy.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Earl and Joe; brother, Bill Pearson; daughter-in-law, Chrysanne Peterson, stepson, Greg Beck and three grandchildren in infancy.