Douglas Beck

Minot

Douglas F. Beck (aka Yogi Bear), 95, Minot, Formerly of Columbus/Lignite, ND, passed away Sunday, November 16, 2025, in a Minot assisted living facility.

Doug was born to Fred and Mildred (Greenfield) Beck on May 10, 1930, near Columbus, ND. He grew up attending school in Lignite, and during his youth he helped his father with farming.

On May 20, 1951, he married the love of his life, Arlene Horntvedt. They made their home in Minot where Doug began employment with the State Highway Department. In October 1951, he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He spent one year in Korea, and was honorably discharged in July 1953, at Fort Lewis, WA. Doug was awarded 3 Bronze Stars for his honorable service.

After his two years in the military, Doug resumed his employment with the State Highway Department. On November 5, 1956, Doug began working for Northern States Power Company as a lineman. He was employed there for 32 years and retired on August 8, 1988.

Doug and Arlene raised their four children in Minot spending many vacations camping, fishing, and hunting, including a big family trip to Alaska! He was an avid pinochle player and enjoyed Wednesday evenings these past few years hosting anyone who would come to play and share treats. He and his wife traveled extensively throughout the United States and made two trips to Norway. During their time there, they visited the farm and glass factory near Oslo where his grandfather and grandmother lived and worked.

After his retirement, Doug and Arlene spent many winters in Mesa, AZ. Arlene passed away in 2020.

Doug was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Sons of Norway Thor Lodge, and the American Legion.

Doug is survived by: his son, Daren (Brenda) of Minot; daughters, Lori Schweigert of Beulah, Anita Erickson of Columbus, and Tami Howarter of Prior Lake, MN; grandchildren, Kyle (Natalie) Beck, Kelsey (Seth) Spidahl, Shila (Gary) Garrett, Tyler (Kristen) Schweigert, Shalene (Kyle) Nygaard, Lana Erickson, Logan (Kaitlin) Erickson, Kristina (Andy) Dirksen, and Scott Howarter; along with 16 great-grandchildren, and brother, Brian Beck.

Doug was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife; sisters, Alice Walleen and Maybell Corey.

Celebration of Life: Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Minot. A livestream link for the service will be available on the funeral home website.

Visitation: Friday November 21, 2025 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Burial: Pleasant Prairie Cemetery, Rural Columbus, ND.

(Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot)

Published by The Minot Daily News, November 18, 2025.