Richard Becker

Richard Paul Becker Richard Paul Becker, 83, passed away peacefully on Sunday night, June 13, at The Springs Retirement Community in Missoula, Montana. He was born December 13, 1926, in Davenport, Iowa and adopted at 8 months old by his loving parents, Clair and Bernice Becker. He was raised on the family farm east of the old Fletcher Chapel and attended Bear Grove #1 country school and then graduated from Atlantic High School in 1944. Richard enjoyed football and track in high school and was selected to the All-State Football Team in 1943. He enrolled at the University of Iowa in 1944, but was drafted into the U.S. Army during his first semester. He was stationed in Texas for basic training and was then sent to Japan with the occupation forces. He had many grim experiences that he vividly remembered as an 18 year old Iowa farm boy. When he returned from Japan, he re-enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served for 3 years, with the majority of that time assigned to an air force squadron of B-29"s on the island of Guam. After his service, he attended the University of Washington in Seattle for one year before returning to Iowa. On Sept. 6, 1952, he married Harriet Hoegh in Atlantic. The couple moved to Mentone, California for one year before moving back to Iowa City. Richard started his sales career with C.A. Swanson & Sons in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska before moving back to Atlantic where he purchased the Dairy Queen and also entered the insurance business at the same time. He worked for Equitable Life of New York until purchasing his own insurance agency in 1971. In 2000, Richard and Harriet moved to Polson, Montana to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Richard was active in several Atlantic organizations over the years, including president of St. Paul"s Lutheran Church, president of Atlantic Jaycees, and president of Atlantic Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the YMCA board and Community Chest board for a few years. Richard enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports, golfing, and traveling around the country in his motorhome. Richard is survived by his wife Harriet, Buffy & Mike Pettit of Dillon, Montana, David & Mary Jo Becker of Denver, Colorado, Jay Becker of Oceanside, California and Ned & Kim Becker of Missoula Montana: grandchildren, Jenny & Hayley Pettit, Kimberly, Van, & Jake Becker, and Ellee, Claire, & Dane Becker.Funeral InformationThere will be an open visitation at the Roland Funeral Home Thursday from 8:00 - 5:00 with a family visitation Thursday evening from 5:00 - 7:00. Services for Dick will be held Friday morning at St. Paul's Lutheran Church at 10:30 AM with Pastor Dennis Meyer officiating. A luncheon will be served immediately following the funeral service with a committal in the Atlantic Cemetery at 1:00. Richard requested memorials in lieu of flowers to be made to underprivileged children of the donor"s choice or Nishna Valley Family YMCA in Atlantic. Roland Funeral Service is caring for Dick's family and the arrangements. Condolences may be left on their website at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.IN REMEMBRANCERichard BeckerBorn December 13, 1926 in Davenport, IowaENTERED INTO RESTMay 13, 2010At the age of 83 years, and 6 months FUNERAL SERVICEFriday, June 18, 2010Ten Thirty in the morning St. Paul"s Lutheran Church ~ Atlantic, IowaOFFICIATING Pastor Dennis Meyer St. Paul"s Lutheran Church ~ Atlantic, IowaMUSICAL SELECTIONS"Onward Christian Soldiers&" ~ Page 509"Thine is the Glory&" ~ Page 145By the Congregation"One Day at a Time&""How Great Thou Art&"By Randall BreckerbaumerORGANISTSharon BreckerbaumerBEARERS Dave Becker Ned Becker Van Becker Mike Pettit Chris Hoegh Mark KrengelFLOWER COMMITTEEMark and Emily KrengelDONATIONSIn lieu of flowers, Richard requested memorials to the Nishna Valley Family YMCA or to underprivileged children of donor"s choiceLUNCHEONDick"s family invites you to join them for a luncheon at the church following the funeral service.INTERMENTAtlantic Cemetery ~ Atlantic, Iowa Atlantic Color GuardFor area church and cemetery directions, please click here:Church DirectionsCemetery Directions