Zelma "Dolly" Beck

Zelma “Dolly” Beck, age 87, passed away on June 26th in Mondovi, WI. Born on June 22, 1937, in Mizpah, Minnesota, Dolly was the youngest of five children of Lowell and Zella Hahn. As the “baby” of the family, Dolly enjoyed many sweet memories, including the beloved pony gifted to her by her brother Otis.

During her school years, Dolly worked on the family farm, providing great help to her parents and siblings. She had a passion for math and basketball and graduated from Northome High School in 1955. After graduation, Dolly worked in retail before embarking on a 35+ year career as a purchasing agent, first at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN and later at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, WI. Dolly found great joy in her work, especially in the people she helped and the friends she made along the way.

In 1968, Dolly married her beloved partner, Dallas Beck. Together, they raised a large herd of Hereford beef cattle on their farm in Drammen Township. In 1975, they welcomed their only child, Dallas Lowell, who sadly passed away from cancer at just 15 months old. Despite this profound loss, Dolly’s heart remained full of love, extending her warmth and affection to her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and neighbors as if they were her own.

Dolly’s joy extended beyond her family. She loved visiting casinos and had remarkable luck at the slot machines. A true Wisconsinite, she relished bratwurst, cheese, and the occasional brandy. Every year, she looked forward to the annual Hahn Family Reunion. Despite having seen every episode of Gunsmoke multiple times, she never tired of watching it.

Dolly’s loving spirit and mischievous smile will be dearly missed. Known for her ability to gracefully steer away from tense moments with a wink, she was a source of light and love. Her great-nephew fondly remembers her sage advice: “Just be loving and help people, hon.”

Dolly is survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family as well as neighbors and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dallas Beck, her son Dallas Lowell Beck, her parents, Lowell and Zella Hahn, and her siblings, Hilbert, Raymond, Otis, and Berdena.

Dolly's funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 27, at Our Savior's Methodist Church, 210 N. Eau Claire St., Mondovi, WI. Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM until the 11:00 AM service. Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery in Mondovi.  Following the cemetery service, a luncheon will be held at Buzz’s Bar and Grill, with a family gathering afterward at the farm.