Obituary of William Kirby Becker

William Kirby Becker, Sr., age 89, died Tuesday, October 3, 2017, surrounded by his family. Born February 8, 1928, he was the son of the late Sydney and Hazel (Johnston) Becker. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Joan (Moery) and brother Sydney "Bud" Becker. He is survived by children William (Pat) Becker, Jr. of Lake Park, MN and Julie Whelan of Edina, MN; grandchildren Amy and Anna Becker, and Matt, Deanna, and Katie Whelan; great-granddaughter Leonora Joan Becker; sisters-in-law Bonnie (Ed) Roach and Char (Dick) Pehrson; and many other loving nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his loving companion of the past 23 years Wanda Karlen. Bill had many friends across the U.S., especially those he made while living in Minneapolis, MN, Mission Viejo, CA, and Naples, FL. He enjoyed traveling and was proud to have visited all 50 states. He loved music and happily serenaded family and friends with tunes on his beloved keyboard. Bill was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, and was a friend to all. His philosophy for life was to start and end each day with a smile; he rarely said an angry word and offered loving support and encouragement to all those whose paths he crossed. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.