22 Sep Joseph Francis Becker
Posted at 21:01h
in Uncategorized
by staff
Joseph Francis Becker, 89, of Bismarck, went to his heavenly home on September 21, 2023, at St. Vincent’s nursing home, Bismarck, with family members at his side.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023 at 10 a.m. at Church of Corpus Christi, Bismarck, ND. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bismarck, ND. A livestream of the service will be available on the Church of Corpus Christi website.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at Bismarck Funeral Home, Bismarck, with a Rosary and Vigil Service at 7 P.M. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service.
Joe was born on January 19, 1934, to Joseph P. and Marie F. (Hamkins) Becker. He was the 9th of 12 children. He attended St. Mary’s Grade School and St. Mary’s Central High School (Class of 1953) in Bismarck. In 1953 he joined the U.S. Army, where he served our Nation on active duty for 2 years. After his required Army Reserve period was up, he was honorably discharged in 1961.
After returning to Bismarck following the completion of his active-duty military service, a certain small café on Main Street became a regular stopping place for Joe. On November 3, 1956, he married Mary Ann Hruby, the pretty young waitress that captured his heart at that café.
Joe was nothing less than a hardworking, dedicated man who took great pride in his work, never taking for granted the blessing of having a job so he could provide for his family. After his discharge from the military, Joe found employment with the U.S. Postal Service as a mail route carrier, pounding the pavement for 33 years from 1956 to 1989. During that same period, he also worked part-time for many years as a caretaker at St. Mary’s Cemetery. After retiring from the Post Office, Joe worked for a short time with Fertilawn. However, his next long-term employment was his best. For his remaining working years, Joe delivered happiness through his employment as a flower delivery driver for Hirsch Floral, Mandan, and Roberts Floral, Bismarck. He continued working for as long as he could, but decreasing mobility due to complaints from his legs and feet made it necessary to say enough was enough.
Joe was an avid reader, with a particular interest in history of World War II, in which 3 of his older brothers served in combat zones. He was an earnest caretaker of his lawn and yard, always having the lawn envied by neighbors. He enjoyed sports, especially his Green Bay Packers, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and St. Mary’s Central High School Saints. The LA Dodgers and LA Lakers were not too far down the list of team interests. Among family and friends, Joe was well known for his cooking skills, with home comfort food being his finest output. He offered his cooking and kitchen management skills to help others by volunteering in the kitchens at St. Mary’s Central High School and the Knights of Columbus.
Joe was a faithful Catholic. The Church was the rock on which he found his stable ground. Attending Mass every Sunday and Holy Day was important to him. He had his definite opinions on matters relating to his faith and Church, and he was not timid about voicing them. In his final days, when he realized his body was failing him, he looked to his faith for strength and courage to face that reality, saying many times that he was not afraid to die.
Joe will be missed by his wife of over 66 years, Mary; 4 children: Joseph J. (Danell) Becker, Michael J. (Lori) Becker, Rhonda K. (James) Kliewer, and Thomas S. (Kelly) Becker; 8 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and his youngest brother Richard Becker.
He was preceded in death by 1 grandchild; his parents, Joseph and Marie; and 10 brothers and sisters: Paul (Hilda) Becker, Rosina (Harold) Ward, Nicholas (Marian) Becker, Norbert (Marie) Becker, Louis (Lois) Becker, Theresa Godfrey, Rita (Dan) Daffinrud, John (Mary) Becker, Madonna Short, and Bernard (Betty) Becker.
The family would like to thank the staff at CHI St. Alexius Medical Center, St. Vincent’s Nursing Home, and CHI Health At Home for the compassionate and excellent care provided to Joe.
In lieu of flowers, in memory of Joe, please make memorials to Light of Christ Catholic Schools in Bismarck.
