Cover photo for Todd W. Van Beck's Obituary
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1952 Todd Van Beck 2023

Todd W. Van Beck

February 15, 1952 — May 23, 2023

Cincinnati

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VAN BECK, Todd Wesley. Passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. Beloved father of Thomas Van Beck. Loving son of the late Thomas Anthony "Tony" and Norma Jean (nee Feekin) Van Beck. Dear brother of Scott (Sarah) Van Beck; and uncle of Wesley, Helen, Sam and Neil Van Beck.

Todd was a person who had a half-century love affair with both funeral and cemetery service. He willingly admitted that he was, "no expert!", but also quickly admitted that there was nothing about this work and life that he did not enjoy, and have intense interest in. Todd had said: "have never done a day's work in my life, it has all been fun and interesting."

Todd earned his Professional Diploma in Mortuary Science in 1973 from the New England Institute of Funeral Service Arts and Sciences (MA), his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Psychology from Mount Mercy University (IA), and his Master of Arts in Religion from Athenaeum of Ohio (Mount Saint Mary's Seminary). In 2005, he was awarded the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters Degree from Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service, (Houston, TX). Todd held several certifications and licensures, including the Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP), Certified Funeral Executive (CFE), and licensure in several states.

Prior to his employment as Program Director at Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science (CCMS), Todd served as Faculty/Director of Continuing Education at John A. Gupton College (TN); General Manager of Forest Hill Funeral Homes & Memorial Parks (TN); Director of Family Funeral Care and Public Relations at A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home (GA); President and CEO of the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service (TX); and Director of Education for the Loewen Group, Inc. (OH). His academic career began at CCMS in 1982.

Todd was an active writer and speaker internationally for many decades covering most every topic that is relevant to our profession. He authored 8 books and over 400 articles on death care topics. A historian and academician, Mr. Van Beck grew up in Southwestern Iowa and declared at the young age of 5 years old that he would become a funeral director when he grew up. As he often said, he was still growing up, still learning, still trying to make some kind or worthy contribution to his beloved profession. Todd operated funeral homes, cemeteries, and mortuary colleges during his career. Todd selflessly served the death care profession in many arenas across the nation and internationally, which satisfied his desire to see the world. He was thrilled and humbled to return to CCMS where he planned to continue his mission until retirement.

Visitation will occur on Saturday, May 27, 2023 from 12 noon until 2 PM at the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, 645 W North Bend Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45224.
A Masonic Blue Lodge service will begin at 2 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life service.
Services will be available for online viewing beginning at 2 PM EDT at the CCMS Livestream Service Link

Additional visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Hancock Methodist Church, 204 Kimball St., Hancock, IA 51536 from 12 Noon until time of service at 2 PM, followed by interment at Oak Hill Cemetery in Hancock, Iowa.
 
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be made to the "Todd Van Beck Memorial Scholarship Fund" at CCMS TVB Donation Page
 
Arrangements are being made by the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, in conjunction with Vorhis & Ryan Funeral Home.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Todd W. Van Beck, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Saturday, May 27, 2023

12:00 - 2:00 pm (Eastern time)

Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science

645 W North Bend Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45224

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Livestream

Saturday, May 27, 2023

Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)

Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science

645 W North Bend Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45224

Livestream

Click to watch

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Masonic Blue Lodge Service

Saturday, May 27, 2023

Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)

Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science

645 W North Bend Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45224

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Celebration of Life

Saturday, May 27, 2023

Starts at 2:30 pm (Eastern time)

Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science

645 W North Bend Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45224

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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