August 4, 1938 - January 12, 2024
Funeral Mass for Robert N. Becker, 85, formerly of Wesley, was on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Divine Mercy Parish - St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wesley. Burial was in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery outside of Wesley. Visitation was held on Tuesday, Jan. 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Divine Mercy Parish - St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wesley.
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent directly to Bishop Garrigan Catholic Schools, 1224 N. McCoy Street, Algona, IA 50511.
Bob was born on Aug. 4, 1938, in Algona to Mathew and Justine (Bormann) Becker. A graduate of Wesley Public Schools, he often joked about the ‘grace of his teachers’ helping him through when he stepped into a larger role on the family farm after the loss of his father at a young age. In 1966, he established Bob Becker Construction and later expanded into farming and convenience stores.
Bob married the love of his life, Mary Carol West, on Jan. 16, 1971, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, a union that lasted over 50 years. Together, they raised five children in Wesley before moving to Prior Lake, Minn. in 2019 to be closer to family.
Bob was a committed community member. He contributed his time and efforts to the Wesley Community Club, the City Council and as a volunteer firefighter. He also served on various bank boards and the Bishop Garrigan school board, in support of his strong belief in Catholic education.
Bob loved spending time with family and friends, including taking fishing trips to Canada, socializing with friends and playing golf at Hillside and during his winters in Arizona.
Bob passed away on Jan. 12 in Savage, Minn. at the age of 85. Bob’s family is immensely thankful to the staff at NorBella, Moments Hospice and his home health aide Peggy for their care and support during the past six months.
He is survived by his wife Mary Carol, his children: Sherri (Jessie) Labayen of Winchester, Calif.; Tom (Linda) of Prior Lake, Minn.; Fr. Nickolas, OSB, of Collegeville, Minn.; Dennis (Jenny) of Coralville; and Beth (Chris) Hubbard of Prior Lake, Minn. Eight grandchildren; Tyler and Jake Labayen, Cael and Ava Becker, Charlie and Jonny Becker, and Kendall and Austin Hubbard. His sisters: Pat Baumann, Marge Brcka, Joyce Wagner, and Jane (Donnie) Potthoff. His in-laws; Mary Becker, Bitz Berte, Julie West, Ellen Peterson, Marlys (Del) Harris, Robyn (Steve) Horswell and Cindy West.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings and in-laws; Frank (Mari) Becker, Dolores (Greg) Augustine, Lorene (Arnie) Kollasch, Alvin (Marge) Becker, Rosemary (Allen) Vaske, Harold (Theresa) Becker, Mark Becker, Betty Berte, Norma (Don) Reding, Patrick Baumann, Ray Brcka, Lee Wagner, Denny West, Gary West, Melvin Peterson, Ray Momyer and Melinda West.
Bob’s life was marked by love, laughter, hard work and service. He will be profoundly missed, but his legacy continues through the lives of those he touched.
Online condolences may be made to oakcrestfuneralservices.com.