Barbara J Beck (nee Kappler), 82, a long-time resident of Marshfield, WI passed away at Woodland Court Elder Services of Merrill, on June 12, 2026. Barbara was born September 1943 to Alvin and Hazel Kappler in Jackson, MI. She was a graduate of Manchester High School class of 1961. She married the love of her life, John Beck, on May 18, 1974.
Barbara was an exchange student in the Netherlands upon graduation, and she volunteered many years for Youth for Understanding, including serving on the National Volunteer Advisory Council. She worked in tourism and hospitality for many years including as a travel agency manager, and hotel sales and banquet director. Barbara was a Board Member of the Marshfield Convention and Business Bureau for 12 years and was a volunteer at many events. She also worked as Personnel Officer and Employee Benefits Manager at Valley Bank in Appleton.
Barbara was active in Business & Professional Women/USA for many years. She received many awards including State Woman of Distinction 2005, Regional Woman of the Year 2006, State Member of Inspiration 2007, and State & National Issues Management Award 2007.
Barbara was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Marshfield and a member of the Women’s Guild. She was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Survivors include her husband John Beck of Merrill, brothers-in-laws David (Betty) Beck of Menomonee Falls, Keith Beck of Wausau, and sisters-in-law Mary (Dale) Gohdes of Wausau, Suzanne Beck of Aniwa; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Hazel Kappler, brother James Kappler, and brothers-in-law Robert and Allen Beck, and nephew James Beck.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Marshfield, Wisconsin. Family and friends may call at the church beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Private burial will be at Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King, Wisconsin at a later date.
The family would like to thank the staff of Pine Crest NH, Woodland Court Elder Services, and St Croix Hospice for their kind attentions to Barbara. In lieu of flowers, donations to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Marshfield are appreciated.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may go to MWCS.WS to leave words of remembrance.
