Barbara Ann Beck

Barbara Ann Beck, 71, of Madison, SD, passed away on January 26, 2024, after a short battle with cancer.  Visitation with family present will be held on Tuesday, January 30 from 5 – 7 pm at Kinzley Funeral Home in Madison.

Barbara was born on December 21, 1952 to A.C. and Lois “Pat” Oswald at Fort Ord, CA. Barb graduated from O’Gorman High School in 1971.

She met Randall Curtis Beck in 1972.  They were united in marriage on March 3, 1973 at Christ The King Church in Sioux Falls, SD.  Daughter Jennifer was born in 1973; son Russell was born in 1980. They made their first homes briefly in Madison, SD, Freeman, SD, and Flandreau, SD, before returning to Madison, SD in 1978, where they remained until her death.

Barbara worked for Dakota Industries in Flandreau, SD and Spies Super Valu in Madison, SD until opening B&L Upholstery, which she operated for over 20 years, full time, but never stopped working on projects here and there. She worked for Dakota State University for 15 years before retiring in 2020.

Barbara was a skilled quilter and enjoyed her early morning quiet time.  She was a very hard worker and loved to keep busy; chopping ice in the wintertime, a tedious task to some, was one of her favorite meditative tasks. Barbara’s family and friends remember her as one of the most selfless, kind, tender-hearted people they knew. She was always the first person to give of her time and talents and made some of the most thoughtful gifts they’ve ever received.

Barbara was preceded in death by her father, A.C. Oswald, and mother Lois “Pat” Oswald.  She is survived by her husband Randy, children Jennifer (Chad) Andersen and Russ (Amanda) Beck, grandchildren Kayla (Steven) Leggett, Caitlyn Andersen, Mia Andersen and Gage Daniel; sisters Kris Kindred (Bill Campbell), Kay Smith (Charlie Page), and Ruth Gilge, and brothers Pat Oswald, Dave Oswald, and Rob Oswald (Teri Roest).