Gary L. Becker, age 69, of rural Elkhart Lake, passed away on Monday morning, February 13, 2017 at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, Sheboygan Falls after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born on July 18, 1947 in Sheboygan, son of Delores (Voss) Becker and the late Elroy Becker.
Gary was a 1965 graduate of Kiel High School.
He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy serving his country for 3 ½ years, including 2 tours of duty in Vietnam. Gary proudly attended an Honor Flight to Washington DC in July.
On August 23, 1969 he married Rachel Casper at St. Gregory Catholic Church, St. Nazianz.
Gary was a longtime dedicated employee of Tri-County Cooperative, Kiel until his retirement in 2013 when it was known as Country Visions Cooperative.
Gary was a man of great character and honor. He was recognized with a Presidential Certificate for heroism after saving a family from a car fire.
He was a member of the Kiel VFW Post #6707, was also a member of the Hermitage Conservation Club for over 40 years where he was very active with all aspects including being treasurer for several years. He was recognized by the Sheboygan County Conservation Association for his many years of service. He was also a proud supporter of the NRA.
Gary enjoyed spending time with his family, trap shooting, being at deer camp and hunting, hook-line sturgeon fishing as well as riding his horse.
Survivors include his wife Rachel, three children; Michael (Kellie) Becker, Shelly (Brett) Schmitz, Kelly (Rodney) Arnold, three grandchildren; Michael Becker Jr., Ashton and Aubrey Arnold and his mother, Delores Becker. He is further survived by his brothers & sisters; David (Anne) Becker, Theresa (Joe) Koenig, Brad (Lynne) Becker, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Donald (Donna) Casper, Betty Casper, Wayne (Kathy) Casper, Judy Peter, Paul Meyer, Jane (Ronald) Binversie, Tom Casper, (Ryan Cousins), Mary (Dennis) Dedering, Paul (Sue) Casper, Ann (Greg) Behr,, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Elroy Becker, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Sylvester & Ruth Casper, brothers-in-law, Kenneth and Joseph Casper, Dennis Peter and sister-in-law, Kathryn Meyer.
Funeral services for Gary will be held at 4:00pm on Sunday February 19, 2017 at Meiselwitz-Vollstedt Funeral Home (815 6th St., Kiel) with Joe Zenk officiating.
Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 1:00pm until the time of service.
Kiel VFW Post #6707 will conduct memorial honors at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his name.
Gary's family would like to extend their thanks to the nurses, doctors and staff at Affinity Hematology & Oncology, along with Dr. Goggins and his staff for the wonderful care he received. They would also like to thank Sharon S. Richardson Hospice for their care and his many friends and family who helped during his illness.
Online condolences at www.meiselwitzfh.com