Kim W. Beck

Kim William Beck, age 62, a Napoleon, Ohio native, was born to William L. and Margie (Groll) Beck on January 16, 1953. A 1971 graduate of Napoleon High School, he was captain of the football team, president of the N Club, a member of the wrestling team and involved in school theater productions. In 2014 he was inducted into the Napoleon High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. Kim attended Hillsdale College where he pledged Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and played lacrosse. Kim graduated Cum Laude from Hillsdale College in 1975 with a BLS degree in Business Management. While attending Hillsdale he met Carol Ann Morley, they married on June 5, 1976 and she survives him. They lived most of their married life in Napoleon and later in Toledo. They are the parents of four children: Caitlin Beck, a teacher in Dublin Ohio; Chase Beck, a PhD student and instructor at Texas AM University, B/CS, Texas; and Cortney and Morley who predeceased Kim in 1992. Kim’s parents also preceded him in death. Kim’s siblings, Robin Snyder (Kevin) of The Villages, Florida and Peter Beck (Sheryl) of Napoleon, survive him as well as many nieces and nephews. His aunt, Nova Greenler, of Holgate, also survives Kim. Kim began his professional career in purchasing and sales at Automatic Feed Company, the family business started by his grandfather Alvin Groll. In 1982 he was elected President and CEO of the Company, a position he held to his death. Under Kim’s leadership Automatic Feed Company grew and prospered, becoming one of the premier designers and manufacturers of coil handling and press feeding automation systems in the world. He travelled extensively internationally and was one of the first suppliers to receive orders from the Japanese transplant companies of Toyota, Honda and Nissan. He also was host of the first ever plant visits between these rival companies. AFCo was a 2004 General Motors Supplier of the Year, and awarded the Chrysler Gold Award and Ford Q1 in 2000. In 1994 Kim and his brother Peter were recognized as Northwest Ohio Entrepreneurs of the Year and also received the Governor’s E Award for Excellence in Exporting. Kim and Peter started many other business ventures together including High Production Technology LLC with Verson Corporation; Kasle Metal Processing LLC, a joint venture with Kasle Corporation; Greabener-Reika Inc, a partnership with longtime friend Dr. Theo Greabener; and Georg Automatic Feed, a partnership with valued friend Mark Georg. More recently, Kim’s insight was instrumental in pioneering laser blanking technology through LaserCoil Technologies LLC. Along with his responsibilities at his companies, Kim served in various other capacities including the United Way Allocations Board, the Board of Directors of The Henry County Bank, the Board of Directors for The Association for Manufacturing Technology, and as its Chairman in 2001. At the time of his death Kim also served on the Board of Directors for Master Chemical Company in Perrysburg Ohio and for Erie Press Systems in Erie Pennsylvania. Kim and his family are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Kim served as President of the Wauseon Branch and the Bowling Green University Branch, as a member of the Stake High Council, Stake Mission President and as First Counselor in the Toledo Ohio Stake Presidency. His greatest love was teaching and mentoring the youth of his Stake. Kim and his wife Carol served on the Hillsdale College Parents Board and received Hillsdale’s Distinguished Alumni of the Year Awards in 2000. Kim is a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, Beta Kappa Chapter, recently serving his brothers as a Chapter Advisor and mentor. Kim and Carol were named “Champions of Children” by the Symphony of Trees organizing committee recently for their support of CASA, Henry County Hospital and the Center for Child and Family Advocacy services to families and children. Kim presided as Chief WHO (5-5) of the Burrows descendants, Lakeside Camp, Higgins Lake, Michigan where he enjoyed his family, fly-fishing, and sailing his Flying Scot. Kim was an accomplished telemark skier, multi engine rated airplane pilot, and avid bicyclist. He also enjoyed cooking breakfasts, making his famous meatloaf, and grilling the holiday turkey with his special fruit stuffing. Kim’s priorities remained his faith and personal testimony of Jesus Christ, his family, and his employees. He was diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis in 2014 and many stood beside him with prayers and support during his illness, for which he was grateful. A memorial service for Kim William Beck will be held at 10 am on Saturday December 12 2015 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 11050 Avenue Road, Perrysburg Ohio. The family suggests memorials to The Center for Child and Family Advocacy 219 E Washington St, Napoleon, Ohio 43545, Hillsdale College Kim Beck Leadership Fund, 33 E College St, Hillsdale MI 49242 or a non-profit of the donor’s choice. Arrangements by Walker Funeral Home and condolences may be sent to the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com