William J. Becker

William J. "Bill" Becker, 86 years old of New Haven, Ind. and a longtime resident of Decatur, passed away on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Genesis Healthcare New Haven Center.

He was born on Monday, October 7, 1929 in Convoy, Ohio the son of the late Paul George Becker and the late Emilie M. (Selking) Becker. He married Evelyn R. Bleeke on June 21, 1953 at Immanuel Lutheran Church and she preceded him in death on November 3, 2000.

Bill served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War.

He was a member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Decatur where he was chairman of the congregation for 18 years. He was also a Reformation Lutheran Churches Committee Member. He was a member of the American Legion Post #43 of Decatur where he served as past commander and held several offices. He was also a member of the VFW #6751 in Geneva, Indiana.  Bill was also a member of the Korean War Veterans Association of Indiana Chapter 1, where he had been the Color Guard Commander.

Bill was self-employed at Becker Construction for 28 years retiring in 1984 and had previously worked at Sunshine Dairy, Wayne Novelty, Nutria-Plus, and State Line Trucking.

Surviving are his daughter, Nadine E. (Wilbur) Miller of Decatur; son, Dennis W. ( fiancée , Jessica Li) Becker of Decatur; daughter, Teresa L. Becker of Decatur; daughter, Doreen S. Becker of Decatur; daughter, Rhonda A. (Mark) Mendenhall of Kendallville; daughter, Jane E. Becker of Fort Wayne; daughter, Linda K. Becker of Decatur; brother, Frank (Betty) Becker of Decatur; and sister, Arlene (Roger) Fuelling of Decatur. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Brian (Heather) Becker; Brandy (Billy) Brown; Alicia (Matt) McDaniel; Kara Mendenhall; Aaron (Gina) Mendenhall; Martin Miller; two great-grandchildren, Lana Becker and Isabelle Mendenhall; eight step-grandchildren; and five step great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and a brother, Carl Becker.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church with Pastor Tim Pederson officiating. Interment will follow in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery with Military Graveside Services to be conducted by the American Legion Post #43 of Decatur.

Friends will be received from 3 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 8 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday .

Preferred memorials are to American Legion Post 43 Color Guard, Korean War Veterans Chapter 1, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, American Diabetes Association, or the donor's choice.