"I have learned so much from Uncle Henry in the past few years especially. He taught me the importance of giving of yourself for the sake of God, family, and community. When I joined Lions with Henry it gave me the opportunity to see his legacy in action. His infectious smile and drive for service kept me coming back excited to see what we could do next. Even in his passing, Henry continues his commitment to the community through his and Geneva's scholarships that will benefit Melcher- Dallas students and the Melcher-Dallas Community Center and Lions Club for years to come. Shortly after the passing of a fellow Lion, Henry expressed his desire for a new Lion to take his place. It would be a great honor to Henry's life and memory for his desire to be fulfilled. Please, look for an opportunity in your church, your family, and your community to continue the legacy that Uncle Henry has left for us. My love and prayers of comfort go to the family and friends of Henry. I can see a music jam in heaven and Henry saying "Let's make it a big one!""
In loving memory of
Henry C. Becker
December 19, 1918 - February 8, 2013
Services for Henry Becker, 94, will be Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. John Lutheran Church in Melcher-Dallas. Interment will be at the Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Melcher-Dallas. In lieu of flowers memorials to the St. John Lutheran Church or the M-D Community Center.
Henry Carl Becker was born December 19, 1918 to John and Minnie Becker in near Milo, Iowa. He attended country school near Milo through the eighth grade. He was married to Opal Geneva Wilson on December 19, 1941 and raised their two children: Dennis and Delores (Dee Dee), on their farm near Melcher-Dallas.
He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and the Lion's Club. He was also a school board member for many years. Henry and Geneva established a college scholarship fund for high school music students and was instrumental in establishing the local community center, the church, and supported other businesses in town. After the death of Geneva, he married Edith Evelyn Edwards on March 25, 2001.
Henry always made people feel special. He loved to go dancing and enjoyed seeing his friends from all over at the music jams. Henry had a true love for life and for people. He was always willing to help his community and especially enjoyed helping children. Henry loved to get his old cars out for the parades. He was a stranger to no one and friend to all who knew him. His family was very important to him and always enjoyed having family gatherings. The grandchildren will remember the annual Easter egg hunts and how he made each of them feel special.
Henry passed away February 8, 2013 at the Westview Care Center in Indianola at the age of 94 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Geneva; daughter, Dee Dee; and siblings: Johnny Becker and Ella Nolte.
Surviving are his wife, Evelyn; son, Dennis (Kay) Becker; 7 grandchildren: Jennifer (Lee) Becker Carpenter, Celice (Jason) Pierce, Juliet Becker, Donnie Vanderlinden, Angela (Carlos) Wakely, Daniel (Julie) Vanderlinden, and Melissa (Gary) Vasseau; and 14 great grandchildren: Jordan, Gregory, Ty, Megan, Antonio, Gracie, Rebekah, Francisco, Gabrielle, Theo, Trey, Karena, Olivia, Emersyn, and Kristiana. Also surviving are his siblings: Richard (Iola) Becker of Milo and Helen Conklin of Perry; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Tributes
"Growing up around Henry and Geneva was a privilage in itself. Always a smile and who could forget his laugh. A million memories and love. Our condolences, love, and prayers to each and every member of the Becker Family. Don Chamberlain"
"Henry was indeed a great person to many. My brother Ken and I worked for Henry many many times. All through the years he never forgot us or we him. I will never forget him. He was a very generous man in many ways. My thoughts and prayes go out to the family. God Bless you in this sad time in your liives."
"A great loss to all who knew Henry. I enjoyed working with Henry many years ago when he had his farm - in the field, bailing hay, building a pole barn, taking care of his chickens, etc. My brother Steve and I would cancel any commitment when Henry called for help. My condolences to his family. He will be missed. A wonderful person."
"Dennis and Family thinking of you and sorry to hear of Henry's passing. What a wonderful person he was. So kind and gentle in his words and actions. Our prayers are with you. Jim and Pat "
"Loved looking at the pictures. Never saw Henry without a smile. What a wonderful man! His memories will live on within you forever! My heartfelt sympathy to the family. Heaven has received an angel."
"My sympathies to his family. He was a great man & loved by everyone. You were all lucky to have him in your lives & for so long. I'm sure God greeted him with open arms. Thinking of all of you."
"Sorry to hear of the passing of Henry. He was a great neighbor and friend to our family. I remember him as always having a smile. I'm sure he will be missed by the community."