grave import

Obituary

Henry A. Beck, a native of Burlington, and well-known contractor died this morning shortly after 6 o’clock in St. Francis hospital. Death being due to pneumonia.
He had been in good health up to several weeks ago but, having a severe cold, he was confined to his home, 1707 Mt. Pleasant street, being removed to the hospital two weeks ago.
For many years Henry Beck was a carpenter in Burlington and then advanced into the contracting business where he has been successful and where he has held a high place in the business world here. He was interested in community work and in politics and served the city as building commissioner for several years.
Henry Beck was born in Burlington, April 3, 1865, the son of Jacob and Agnes (Mesmer) Beck, and his father also had been a carpenter and contractor. Henry was educated in the Public schools and high schools here and then entered the employ of William F. Hayden under whose direction he learned the carpenter’s trade. He remained with him for twenty-one years and in 1898 started contracting on his account. Among some of his contract jobs was the construction of the YMCA, the YWCA Chittenden & Eastman Co. warehouses, the Nurses Home of the Burlington hospital, Hertzler & Boesch building, and the Citizen’s State Bank of Mediapolis, as well as many private residences.
Early in his business career, he earned the reputation of business integrity and he retained this position throughout his life. He was united in marriage to Miss Lena Stoll on June 12, 1888, and to this union, three daughters were born, all of whom, with their mother, survive.
Mr. Beck was a member of St. John’s Catholic church and he, and his family, have been active in religious work. Surviving daughters and Mrs. Joseph J. Reilly of St. Lous, Mo.; Mrs. Frank L. G. Weiss of St. Louis, Mo., and Miss Dorothy Beck, at home. There are also two grandchildren, Carrol and Robert Weiss. His sisters are Mr. Nick Sinkinger of Kansas; Miss Mary Beck of Pasadena, Cal., and Mrs. John Miller of Burlington.
The funeral of Henry Beck was held this morning with services at St. John’s Catholic church at 4:00. The services were largely attended, many members of the Hawkeye Natives being on hand. The pallbearers were picked from the Hawkeye Natives and the Builder’s Association, as follows: John Beckman, Barney Niemann, George Quelle, Henry Bokenkamp, Carl A. Nelson, and John Thye.