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Michael Beck

January 19, 2020
Kalamazoo, MI

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Michael George Beck passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 19, 2020 surrounded by immediate family at Wyndham West in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Michael was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on July, 17, 1929. He attended the University of Connecticut and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Analytical Geometry in 1951 and a Master of Science Degree in Chemistry in 1954. He began his career in the pharmaceutical industry as a research chemist for the DuPont Company in Wilmington, Delaware, but his talent for business development was soon recognized and he was transferred to a series of executive positions. After successful stints at other companies, he moved on to become Vice President of the Commercial Division for Upjohn International, a division of The Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo and a member of the Upjohn International Executive Committee. During his time at Upjohn, Michael was responsible for worldwide sales and received the W.E. Upjohn Award for his success in exponentially growing the company's business in key markets such as Europe, Asia, and South America. His vast international travels resulted in a multitude of rich and exciting experiences that he loved sharing with others. Michael truly had friends from all over the world. Even though he enjoyed a very successful business career, nothing was more important to Michael than family. While attending UCONN, he met the love of his life, Audrey Meisterling. It was love at first sight and they married shortly thereafter on June 14, 1952. Mike and Audrey were nearly inseparable over the next 67 years of their marriage. She survives him, along with their two sons, Robert (Alice) of Portage, MI and Donald (Susan) of Castle Rock, CO and six grandchildren – Lindsay, Danny, Ryan, Matthew, Rachel, and Brandon. His nephew, Gary (Rachel) Yakubik of Milford, CT also survives him. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Malania Yakubik, his brother John, and nephew Johnny. Michael loved spending time with family and treasured his grandchildren. The family cannot remember a single time that Grandpa and Grandma didn't jump at the chance to spend time with them. He loved good food and drink and would never hesitate to sample the local, often exotic, fare during his travels all over the world. His signature drink was a Bourbon Manhattan and he indulged whenever family and friends got together. He was an avid golfer throughout his life and played some of the greatest courses in the world. He was a member of the Kalamazoo Country Club for over 50 years and was very proud of the hole-in-one he carded on the 12th hole on June 26, 1996. His golf partners presented him with a plaque to commemorate it and he was never shy about showing it off to his friends. He also enjoyed driving his cars, reading, swimming, and taking long walks with his dog while visiting with neighbors along the way. Michael loved attending the sporting events and other endeavors of his children and grandchildren and was unfailingly supportive of them and proud of their achievements. He was a Deacon at the First Congregational Church of Kalamazoo and was a generous supporter of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and a member of its Ambassadors Council. He cherished being part of the Kalamazoo community. Michael had the rare gift of being able to make friends with anyone anywhere and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He lived an active and full life and was very aware how deeply he was loved by his family and friends. A special thank you goes out to Wyndham West and Hospice of Kalamazoo for their loving care and support. Arrangements were entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 411 E Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49002. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on April 4th, 2020 from 3 to 6 PM at the Kalamazoo Country Club. All are welcome. Please visit Michael's online guest book to leave a condolence, personal message or memory of him at https://www.langelands.com.