William A. "Satch" Beck

William A. “Satch” Beck, 81, of Camp Hill and formerly of Steelton, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 after a short but courageous battle with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. He was born in The Bronx, NY on May 16, 1943 to the late John and Mary (Crevar) Beck.

The Becks moved back to Steelton, PA and Satch graduated from Steelton-Highspire High School, Class of 1962. He then received his BA degree from the Pittsburgh Art Institute in 1964.

Satch began his career as an Illustrator with Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, MO in 1964. This career was interrupted when he was drafted into the US Army.

Satch was sent to Vietnam and was engaged in the Battle of the Ia Drang Valley, the first major battle of the war. He was with the 1/7th Air Cavalry Division in LZ Xray. This battle was later written about in the book, “We Were Soldiers Once… And Young” by authors Joe Galloway and Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore (Ret). Later, the book became the movie “We Were Soldiers.” He received a Bronze Star with “V” which was later upgraded to the Silver Star for heroism in that battle.

Satch returned to Hallmark Cards in 1966 and eventually returned to his beloved Steelton, PA in 1972 as a freelance artist and illustrator working for various advertising agencies, designing products and display.

In 1984, he met Jennifer C. Dimm and after a 10-year romance, they married in 1994 and celebrated their 30th anniversary last year.

Satch was active in his community and a member of many clubs, including the Steelton Dutch Club, St. Lawrence Lodge #13, St. Aloysius Club, and the Progress Fire Company Home Association. He was a lifetime member of the Philadelphia Freedom Foundation, First Cavalry Division Association, AM Vets, VFW Post 6704, and the American Legion Post 420.

Bill was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer J. Beck in 1987.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer; his brother John S. Beck and wife Pamela Ann; 3 nephews; one niece; 3 great nephews and 3 great nieces.

Satch was a friend to all who knew him and he enjoyed discussing the “good times, hard times” of his life with his buddies.

He will be remembered as a true patriot and for the love of this country.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 in Wiedeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 357 S Harrisburg Street in Oberlin, with Rev. India Garnett officiating. There will be no visitation prior to service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the First Cavalry Division Association, Ia Drang Scholarship Fund at 302 N Main Street, Copperas Cove, TX 76522; The Special Olympics at 2570 Blvd of the Generals, Ste 124, Norristown, PA 19403; or to the 1775 Fund at PO Box 839, Carlisle, PA 17013 (make checks payable to Army Heritage Center Foundation.)