Donald Joseph Becker, 83, of Merrill, Mesa, Az, passed away January 15, 2012 at Banner Gardens Hospice House in Mesa, Az. He was born in Merrill on March 26, 1928 to the late William John and Ida (Severt) Becker. He married Jean Kretschmer at St. Francis Xavier Church in Merrill on June 10, 1950. She survives.
Don attended St. Francis School and Merrill High School. He was drafted out of his senior year to the Army Air Corps where he served as a teletype operator and received the WWII Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal for Japan. Don drove truck for Merrill Candy Company. He had also worked for ROW and as a mechanic for Bloechl & Whitburn Motors. Don retired from Ward Paper after 23 years of service work. He enjoyed woodworking, camping, watching the Green Bay Packers, playing hand & foot and bingo, but he especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Don was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1638 and also a member of St. John Baptist Church in Bloomville.
Survivors include his wife, Jean Becker, Merrill, Mesa, AZ, children, Michael Becker, Mesa, AZ, Barbara (Rick) Cortright, Gleason, and Mary Woller, Gleason, 10 grandchildren, Michael, Natasha, Tanya, Heather, Amy, Carrie, Michelle, Damian, Jeremy and Matthew, 21 great-grandchildren, and niece, Cindy Gennrich, Gleason. He was preceded by his infant son, Phillip Becker, and two brothers, Robert and Lester Becker.
Services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, January 21, 2012 at St. John Baptist Catholic Church in Bloomville. Fr, Ronald Serrao will officiate. Friends may call from 4-8 PM Friday, January 20, 2012 at Waid Funeral Home or from 10-11 AM Saturday at the church. Burial will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. Military graveside honors will be presented by VFW Post #1638. If desired, donations may be made to St. John Baptist Church in Bloomville. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com