John W. Becker of Belleville, WI, passed away peacefully on Jan. 20, 2025. John was born on May 31, 1932, in Sauk City, WI, to Oscar and Agnes (Wintermantel) Becker. He graduated from Sauk City High School in 1950 and went on to earn his B.S. and M.S from UW Madison. While at the UW he played baseball (pitcher) and freshman football. One of his great adventures during college was going to the 1954 Rose Bowl by train to cheer on the Badgers. After graduation John was commissioned into the Army Signal Corps, where he served two years active duty. He then went to work for the National Security Agency in Washington D.C. In 1962 John returned to WI where he took a teaching and coaching position at Wisconsin High School in Madison. While there, he was the Phy Ed teacher, Head Football and Volleyball coach. When the school closed, John moved to Belleville where he was the Head Football coach for 28 years. He also coached Basketball and was the Asst. Baseball coach. Coach Becker was inducted into the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1994, and the Wildcat Wall of Fame in 2017. While at Belleville he taught Phy Ed and History, retiring in 1997. In addition to coaching and teaching he was director of the busses for a number of years. John has been a member of BEA, WEA, NEA, and the WHSFCA. He served his community as a member of the Belleville Community Club. John was a loving father, an excellent educator, and dedicated coach. Everything he did in life; he did with integrity and passion. He was the rock and foundation of his family. As a coach, John always put his team first and gave the credit to his players. One of his former players remarked, “He taught us the values of self-discipline, teamwork, attention to detail, poise under pressure, and ‘practice makes perfect.’” He modeled these characteristics in his everyday life and will be truly missed.
John was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jim Becker, infant sister Mary, and daughter-in-law Jami Becker.
He is survived by his three children: Debby (Jeff) Horsfall, John Becker, and Bill (Heather) Becker. Grandchildren: Nicolas (Courtney) Webber, Mitchell (Shawnna) Webber, Melissa and Natasha Horsfall, Katelyn, Davis and Evan Becker. Great grandchildren: Lucy, Lainey and Paityn Webber.
A gathering of relatives and friends will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025 at the Becker-Beal Funeral Home, 109 Greenway Cross, Belleville, WI.
A memorial service for family and friends will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at the First United Church of Christ, 130 E. Church St., Belleville, WI with Rev. Laura Kolden officiating.
The family would like to thank Oakwood Prairie Ridge Rehab. and Oakwood Preferred Hospice for their wonderful compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John’s name to the First United Church of Christ Belleville, or the Forever 56 Foundation, 1206 Fritz Road, Verona, WI, 53593, which provides support and scholarships to youth and organizations in the area.
Online condolences may be given at www.bealfuneralhomes.com
