Willard Becker, 98, of Sheboygan and formerly of Freeman, South Dakota, entered eternal life on Thursday, February 14, 2019, at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.
Willard was born on April 10, 1920, near Marion, South Dakota, to Daniel A. and Anna (Tieszen) Becker. He attended Rosefield Township School No. 67. Willard was baptized on August 6, 1939 and was received into membership of the Bethesda Mennonite Church.
In 1942 Willard was drafted and because he was a conscientious objector served in Civilian Public Service for 3 ½ years. During his time of service in Fort Collins, Colorado and Terry, Montana he worked on the Greeley Dam and Poudre River irrigation system, built fences, drilled wells, and fought forest fires. He then returned home to run the family farm with his older brother Herbert and help his widowed mother care for his five younger sisters.
On November 10, 1963, Willard married Bertha K. Pollman. They made their home on his family farm until his retirement from farming in the early 1980’s. Both Willard and Bertha became members of Salem-Zion Mennonite Church in Freeman, SD. Willard loved the Lord and often expressed his faith through the writing of short devotionals. In retirement, Willard served as a janitor at both Freeman Academy and at his church, drove tractor for local farmers, fixed small gas engines, and created unique items in his shop.
In 2011 Willard and Bertha moved to Sheboygan, WI to be near their family. There they attended the Sheboygan Evangelical Free Church. Willard will be remembered as a loving brother, husband, father, and grandfather.
Willard is survived by his son, Dean (Amy) Becker of Sheboygan, two grandsons, Paul (Cassie) Becker, Daniel Becker; a great-grandson, Nathaniel Becker, and two sisters, Eva Goosen, and Lily (Carl) Schroeder.
Willard was preceded in death by his loving wife, Bertha Becker, parents, Daniel A. & Anna T. Becker; brother, Herbert Becker; three sisters, Amelia (Robert) Epp, Emma (Lester) Schroeder, and Anna May (Velmar) Rudiger.
Two funeral services to celebrate Willard's life will be held.
A funeral service will be held in Wisconsin at the Sheboygan Evangelical Free Church on Thursday, February 21st, at 6:00 pm, with Dr. Gary Hylander officiating. A visitation will take place from 4:30 pm until the time of service at 6:00 pm.
A funeral service will also be held in South Dakota at the Salem-Zion Mennonite Church of Freeman on February 23rd at 11:00 am with Pastor Corey Miller officiating. A visitation will take place from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. Burial will take place at Neu Hutterthal Church Cemetery near Bridgewater, SD.
Memorials may be given in his name for the Master Plan work at the Evangelical Free Church in Sheboygan, WI.
For online condolences and additional information please visit
www.wenigfh.com
.
The Wenig Funeral Home of Sheboygan Falls (920-467-3431) and Walter Funeral Home (605-925-4259) of Freeman are serving the Becker family with arrangements.
