Harold Dean (Harry) Becker went to his heavenly home on March 21, 2018 at Iola Living Assistance.
He was born August 7,1929 in Wonewoc, Wisconsin to Frederick (Fritz) and Hilda (Klinge) Becker. Harry grew up in the Wonewoc area. He attended a rural one room country school before graduating from the Wonewoc High School in 1947. Harry attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education in 1951. He then enlisted in the U. S. Navy and served the next four years mainly on the East Coast, with two tours in the Mediterranean area aboard the USS Tarawa and the USS Midway aircraft carriers. After his tours, Harry taught in the Business Department in Soldiers Grove, WI for five years before moving to the Iola area where he taught for three years, also in the Business Education Department. In 1963 he joined Krause Publications as the Circulation Director. It was there that he made a lasting impression on his co-workers and many people in the community with his quick-wit and sarcastic personality. After 25 years of dedicated work, he retired in 1988. On December 22, 1964 he married Carol Norby, a life-long resident of Iola. Together the two enjoyed spending time together outside observing birds, butterflies, and the blooming flowers especially the red geraniums that decorated their home each summer. They spent much of their time with family and friends and were often seen at the Crystal Cafe. After retirement Harry was very involved in genealogy, working on the Becker and Norby family roots. Here is where he spent many hours on his computers. Harry also had many different collections and enjoyed woodworking-especially making clock cases. He was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and also served many years as a worker at the Iola Old Car Shows and helped at the Iola Winter Carnivals.
Survivors include his sisters-in-law, Ruth Johnson and Carolyn Becker; nephews, Dan (Tess) Johnson and Mark (Rose) Johnson; nieces: Lynn (Mark) Sprangers, Brenda (Carl) Schultz, Natalie Becker, Nikki (Chris) Olson, and Elizabeth (Matt) Hanson. He is further survived by many great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Carol, his parents, brothers Gerald and Howard Becker, and brother-in-law Leland Johnson.
Funeral Services will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Iola, on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Lin Reichstadter officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Interment with Military Rites will be in Our Saviors Lutheran Cemetery in Iola.
The family would like to thank the staff at Iola Living Assistance, Iola Living Oaks and Theda Care Hospice for the excellent care provided to Harry while he was a resident. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Voie Funeral Home of Iola is assisting the family with arrangements.