Edward T. Becker, age 92 of Monroe, died on Friday, October 23, 2009 at Pleasant View Nursing Home. He was born in Oakley, Spring Grove Township, on October 24, 1916, the son of Louis and Mollie (Regez) Becker. Ed married Kathryn Stauffer on June 25, 1950 in Monticello. He entered the U.S. Army on October 15, 1940 and was discharged on July 22, 1945, as a sergeant with Company A, 30th Battalion, at Fort Mac Clellan, Alabama, and served with the Red Arrow Division. He participated in the battles of New Guinea and Papuan, receiving the Distinguished Unit Badge, Good Conduct Ribbon, American Defense Service Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with 2 Bronze Battle Stars, 3 Overseas Service Bars and one Service Stripe. Ed and his wife farmed in the Monroe area for many years, he also worked as a tire inspector for Kelly Springfield in Freeport, Illinois, retiring after 10 years. Ed enjoyed gardening, making maple syrup and especially enjoyed helping his children on their farms. He was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ and the Cecil Jones V.F.W. Post #2312.
He is survived by his wife, Kathryn of Monroe; children, Roger Becker of Monroe, Marvin (Darlene) Becker of Juda, Jim (Kathy) Becker of Monroe, Mary Kay (Randy) Zemlicka of Monroe; 9 grandchildren, Macy of Florida, Jacob of New York, Marcus of Roseville, Minnesota, Kim of LaCrosse, Brittney, Brianna both of Monroe, Karen (Corey) Shenk of Libertyville, Illinois, Stephen (Brandi) Zemlicka, Adam Zemlicka all of Monroe and one great-grandchild, Isaiah Shenk of Libertyville, Illinois. He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Otto Becker; sisters, Lizetta Nyman, Alice Wise and Vernetta Zwickey.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2009 at the Hope Community Center in Monroe. Officiating will be Randy Zemlicka, with burial at a later date. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home, there will also be a visitation on Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. at the Hope Community Center. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being established in Ed's memory.
He is survived by his wife, Kathryn of Monroe; children, Roger Becker of Monroe, Marvin (Darlene) Becker of Juda, Jim (Kathy) Becker of Monroe, Mary Kay (Randy) Zemlicka of Monroe; 9 grandchildren, Macy of Florida, Jacob of New York, Marcus of Roseville, Minnesota, Kim of LaCrosse, Brittney, Brianna both of Monroe, Karen (Corey) Shenk of Libertyville, Illinois, Stephen (Brandi) Zemlicka, Adam Zemlicka all of Monroe and one great-grandchild, Isaiah Shenk of Libertyville, Illinois. He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Otto Becker; sisters, Lizetta Nyman, Alice Wise and Vernetta Zwickey.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2009 at the Hope Community Center in Monroe. Officiating will be Randy Zemlicka, with burial at a later date. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home, there will also be a visitation on Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. at the Hope Community Center. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being established in Ed's memory.