Monroe Beck, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at CHI St. Alexius Hospital on January 8, 2026, at the age of 87.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, January 18, with visitation from 3:00–5:00 PM with a prayer service beginning at 3:30 PM at Evanson Jensen Funeral Home in Elgin. A private family burial will take place at the North Dakota Veteran's Cemetery.

Born on August 30, 1938, in Elgin, North Dakota, to Victor and Clara Beck, Monroe grew up on the family farm as the third of eight children—five boys and three girls—where he learned the values of hard work and commitment.

After graduating from Elgin High School in 1956, Monroe enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country with honor for 20 years. He had many deployments, 3 tours in Vietnam, was stationed in several places around the world including Germany, Canada, Colorado, Georgia and New York. His dedication repairing armor and artillery along with courage jumping out of airplanes while being attached to an airborne unit were hallmarks of his military career, and he cherished the memories of his service and shared stories of the many places he traveled along the way. He was honored with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 silver and 4 bronze service stars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal (4th award), and the Army Commendation Medal with 1st OLC.  Even in his last few years in the nursing home, he enjoyed sharing those memories and earned the nickname "Airborne".

Upon retiring from active duty in 1977, Monroe returned to Elgin and began the next chapter of his life. In 1978, he met Coleen Lehman and her 2 girls, and he fell in love.  They were married on July 14, 1978 and he adopted Tasha and Tanya shortly after. Their family became complete with the birth of Cody in 1980.

Never one to sit around, Monroe returned to college in 1978 and earned a degree in refrigeration and air conditioning. He opened his own business serving Elgin and surrounding communities before later working for Magstadts later renamed Heart River LP. His strong work ethic and commitment to his community earned him the respect of many. When he found out their first grandchild was on the way, and as the due date was getting near he insisted they drive to Bismarck to get a camcorder so all the precious moments to come would be captured.  Monroe and Coleen were in a car accident that day and he would tell us that he never should have survived, but there was a baby girl that he saw and had to stick around to meet. This granted him 27 bonus years where he was blessed with 6 more grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Monroe's greatest pride was his family, and he poured his heart into raising his children with love and kindness. When Coleen opened a daycare in their home, Monroe didn't just watch those kids grow, he loved them like his own. He took great pride in hosting neighbors and friends on his back deck and made sure everyone felt welcome.

Monroe also had a deep love for animals, especially his dogs. In his last two years in the Glen Ulin nursing home, besides his visits from his family, one of his greatest comforts was the weekly visits from his beloved dog, Charlie. Monroe looked forward to those Sundays, waiting not so patiently for Charlie's and Coleen's arrival.

Monroe is survived by his beloved wife, Coleen; children Tasha (fiancé Lance), Tanya, and Cody (Faye); grandchildren Kaina (Ben), Kacen, Kali, Rilynn, Reyden, Rynnlee, Kamryn; great-grandchildren Jax, Monroe, Matteo, and Palmer, his youngest brother Jeff (Nancy) and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Clara, and his siblings Duane (Darlene), Frances (Jim), Mitch (Lori), Jerry (Helga), Phyllis (LeRoy), and Brenda.