Ronald "Ron" Becker Obit

RONALD "RON" BECKER, 84, of Deerwood, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 10, 2024 at his home.  He was born in Manannah Township to John and Katherine (Hennen) Becker.  He graduated in 1957 from Eden Valley High School, Eden Valley  and then joined the U.S. Army, receiving an honorable discharge in 1965. He married JoAnne “Jo” on Oct. 20, 1962. Ron’s greatest joy came from his family, especially in watching his grandkids grow and create their own families.  He enjoyed the outdoors and spent most of the spring, summer and fall tending to his beautiful gardens and yard.  Deer hunting, fishing, camping and snowmobiling were among his favorite activities shared with family and friends.  On weekdays he could be found with a group of friends having coffee at the North County Café, Crosby.  He also spent many winters with Jo on the Gulf Coast of Florida where he fished nearly every day. He worked in the heating service industry most of his life starting at King Gas, Buffalo before moving his family to Crosby in 1973 where he managed Lakes Gas and then Great Plains Gas, Brainerd.  In 1994 he started his own business as Ron’s Heating Service and Sales in Crosby until his retirement.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Preceding him in death are his parents; siblings, Ervin Becker, Margaret Hentges, Adeline Fodstad, Caroline Arnold, Mary Jane Hentges, Norbert  Becker, Dolores Pfeil, Wilfred Becker, LuVern and Donna Lahr and an infant brother. He is survived by his wife, Jo; children, Kevin (Marita) Becker of LaPorte, Kelli (Rich) Anderson of Bokeelia, FL and Kurt (Lonna) Becker of Brainerd; his brother, John (Jean) Becker of Maple Lake; 10 grandchildren and 13 great- grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday, April 19 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Crosby. Burial will be at the Lakewood Cemetery with full military honors given by the Myrin-James American Legion Post #443.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.  A luncheon will be provided following burial at the Myrin-James American Legion Post #443 in Ironton. Arrangements are with the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.