Daniel M. Beck

Danny was born on November 26th, 1941 in Huron, South Dakota. Danny grew up in DeSmet and was a standout basketball player in high school. He graduated from De Smet High School in 1960. Danny married Barbara Bergerson in October 1964. In 1967, Danny started work at Kingsbury Rural Electric Association (REA) in De Smet. In 1998, after 31 years, he retired from the REA as the Lineman Crew foreman. Danny was then able to focus all of his attention toward his passion of raising and breeding top quality Quarter Horses on his place east of DeSmet. Danny and Barb’s two daughters, Shannon and Nicole, were the light of Danny’s life. As a family, summers were spent attending horse shows and rodeos. Danny was a self-taught horseman, and he spent his life learning all that he could about the animals he loved. His vast knowledge spanned all aspects of the industry. He had a special understanding of bloodlines, breeding and training. Danny could easily tell you about the bloodline of any horse you would ever want to know about. Danny’s success in his breeding program included raising multiple AQHA halter champions as well as countless standout performance horses across multiple disciplines. Danny loved to share this passion with others and was happy to share his wisdom with anyone wanting to learn about the animals he loved. He understood the animals so well and he was happy to help fix any issue one may have with a horse. His heart was always for the horse and teaching people how to understand training from the horse’s perspective. Danny and Barb moved to New Underwood SD in 1990 where they continued the legacy of Beck Quarter Horses. Danny moved to Platteville CO in 2010 where he lived and cared for his horses, until his final day. Danny was blessed to be doing what he loved most, taking care of his horses, on his favorite holiday, Jesus’ birthday, when he was called home to be with his Savior. What a homecoming it must have been. No matter where Danny lived, it was important to him to find a place to worship the Lord he loved so much. Danny and family attended the Christian Missionary Alliance in DeSmet, Danny and Barb attended the Baptist Church in New Underwood and Danny attended the Gilcrest Baptist Church in Gilcrest CO. Danny is survived by Barbara Beck of New Underwood SD; daughter, Shannon Beck of Granbury TX; daughter Nicole Schmidt and her husband Brandon of Platteville CO; sister Jeannie Heilman of Madison SD; nephew, Shawn Leach of Madison SD; and niece, Sara Johnson of Waterloo Iowa. Danny is also survived by numerous extended family members and many 4 legged kids, especially his border collie Dixie, that miss him dearly. A Celebration of Life will be held on January 16th 11:00am at Moser Funeral Service Chapel 3501 S. 11th Avenue Evans CO 80620. In lieu of flowers the family would be honored if you would want to make a donation to Samaritans Purse, a favorite ministry of Danny’s, in his name. Samaritans Purse Memorial page for Danny: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/danny-beck-platteville-co/

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Daniel M. Beck

November 26, 1941 - December 25, 2024