David Becker, age 75 of Merrill, passed away peacefully on December 5th at Mount View Care Center in Wausau. He was born and raised in southern Wisconsin, where he learned the value of hard work at an early age- one of the many qualities he instilled in his children. David was very proud to be a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving his enlisted years in Germany. He spent his career as an electrician, most of it with 3M Company in Wausau. While working at 3M he and his wife Kathy also owned a bait shop, Becker Baits, on the west side of Merrill in the late 80’s. An avid hunter and fisherman, he was happy to share his vast knowledge with others and make new friends to enjoy those hobbies with, taking frequent trips to Canada to pursue the walleyes, as well as hunting on the same land his father and grandfather did in Hazelhurst. After an injury sidelined him for a bit in his 50’s he took that time to continue his lifetime love of learning and went back to school, attending and obtaining a degree from NTC. Upon graduation he took a job with Volm Bag Company in Antigo, where he finished out his career. He genuinely loved all the traveling he got to do within the U.S. and Canada while with Volm and sharing stories about the places and people he encountered. He was married to the love of his life, Kathy for 53 years. They were a perfect example of living your marriage vows; people often commented on how even after all those years they still looked at each other so lovingly and cared so deeply for one another. Together they raised their children, Rebecca and Kris, sharing their mutual love of the outdoors and traveling the country with them at their sides. In retirement they especially enjoyed trips to Laughlin, NV and Tunica, MS to gamble and see the sights. Dave loved to play cards and played for years with a group of dear friends that met weekly. He and Kathy often went to his brother Mike & sister-in-law Kay’s house to ‘lose Merrill nickels’ or bring home ‘Portage nickels’, something they enjoyed no matter which way it went. Dave was one of the most caring and accepting people you could have the pleasure of knowing. He not only enjoyed sharing his stories and knowledge with his children, but with their friends, many of whom looked up to him as a second dad. Dave was a patient teacher and mentor to anyone who needed it. He was truly our patriarch; the hole his passing leaves in our hearts will never be filled. The lights of his life in his later years were his grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Gpa was their rock, always quick with a hug or an ‘I love you’ no matter what he was doing. Spending time with them was his greatest joy.
David is survived by his wife, Kathy, of Merrill, as well as his daughter Becky of Wisconsin Rapids and Son Kris (Danni Gibson) of Merrill. Also surviving are his grandchildren- Katie Roberts (David Konkol), Ashley (Matt) Renken, Emily Simon, Ally (Oscar Herrera) Roberts; Jenna Becker, Kristopher Becker and Logan Gibson, and great-granddaughter Carolina Herrera-Roberts. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Dick, Mike, and Margo, as well as son-in-law John Roberts, brother-in-law Geno, and nephew Keith Becker.
The family would like to thank the VA Hospice team for their care and compassion during Dave’s final weeks. A celebration of Dave’s life will be held on Saturday January 8th at the Northwoods Veteran’s Post, 601 Johnson St. in Merrill from 1-4 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to F.I.S.H., www.fishinginspiresspecialhearts.com or Little Lakes Memories, http://littlelakesmemories.org/ .