Richard Beszhak, 88, Beloit, died July 11, 2015, at Sun Valley East surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Aug. 12, 1926, in Beloit, to the late Leo and Jeanette (Johnson) Beszhak. In the 1930s the Beszhak family moved to Rockton, Ill., where he was raised and attended school.
He married Geraldine J. Nance on March 6, 1953, in Dubuque, Iowa. They returned to Beloit’s Westside where they raised their family and created many everlasting memories. She preceded him in death on June 12, 1995. He later married Delores Ring Feb. 14, 1998, in St. Paul Lutheran Church, Beloit, and moved with Delores to Burlington; but his heart always remained in Beloit.
During World War II from 1944 to 1946 Richard served with the U.S. Navy Special Forces, (today’s version of the Navy Seals). He was on a naval ship en route to invade the shore of Japan when the Atomic bombs were dropped and Japan surrendered. His ship was rerouted to the China Sea until further orders were given.
He was employed by Ingersol Milling Company for 38-½ years, retiring in 1990. In his earlier years Richard was involved at Gaston elementary school with the PTA and as a Cub Scout leader. He was a member of the Ingersol Quarter Century Club, the Forester Club, and Cross and Crown Lutheran Church. He was also an escort for Beloit Memorial Hospital and a past member of American Legion Post #48.
Richard was very family oriented and enjoyed family gatherings and time spent with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his sons, Duane (Nancy) Beszhak, Madison, Joel (Sharon) Beszhak, Beloit; daughter, Janice (Cecil) Montoya, Rockton, Ill.; stepdaughter, Carla Ring, Burlington; grandchildren, Rick and Aaron Montoya, Rockton, Ill., Alexander and Andrew Beszhak, Madison, Leasha (Jim) Ladow, South Wayne, Wis., William (Shar) Annis, Houston, Texas, Darin Annis, Beloit, and Tricia and Tyler Davis, Burlington; sister, Beth Richards, Beloit; 14 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and nieces; nephews; and cousins.
He was further preceded in death by his brothers, Norman Peebles, Leo Beszhak, Howard Beszhak; and sister, Frances Granis.
Funeral services are Friday, July 17, at 1 p.m., in the Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, 2355 Cranston Road, Beloit, with the Rev. Gene Van Galder officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, Evansville. Visitation will be from noon until the time of the service in the funeral home.
Memorials may be given in his name to the Displaced Veterans and Beloit Regional Hospice.
Well-wishers can visit www.daleymurphywisch.com.
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