Richard Becker, 76
Richard Becker, 76, of Canistota, S.D., passed away on July 18, 2024 at his home under hospice care. A funeral service was held Wednesday, July 24 at 10:30 a.m. at Bethesda Church of rural Marion, S.D.
Richard Gene Becker was born on Nov. 19, 1947 to Alvin and Hulda (Schmidt) Becker in Yankton, S.D. He joined his older sister Lois Regehr and was later joined by his brother, Loris Becker and sister, Georgie Smith.
He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at a young age of 10 years old attending Sunday school at the old EMB Church. As an adult, he became a member of Bethesda Mennonite Church of rural Marion.
He grew up on a farm in Dolton, S.D., and attended grade school at Schartner Country School #69. He graduated from Marion High School in 1966.
On September 8, 1973, Rich married the love of his life, Dawn Engbrecht. To this union were four children: Bridget, Ryan, Wendy and Heath. For 10 years, the family resided on a dairy farm south of Dolton. the family later moved to Missouri, Lake Preston, and with a final move to Canistota in 1986. Rich worked at the Ortman Hotel and Addy Disposal.
He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren at sporting events. His hobbies included gardening and woodworking which included making gifts and toys for the family. Rich and Dawn traveled to many countries including Paris, France, London, Spain, and Rome, Italy. In France he had the opportunity to see his uncle’s grave who died in World War II.
Grateful for sharing Rich’s life are his wife Dawn, their 4 children Bridget (Ryan) Ortman of Canistota, Ryan (Nancy) Becker of Lakeville, Minn., Wendy (Dustin) Barenklau of Montrose, S.D. and Heath (Crystall) Becker of Canistota; his 12 grandchildren: Kalli (Brooks) Fuller, Trey, Tyce, Trace, and Tage Ortman, Maggie and Katie Becker, Elise Oteri and Kyle Barenklau, and Natalie, Ellie, and Carter Becker; and one great-granddaughter, Emalyn Fuller.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Hulda Becker and an infant brother Dexter.
