Leonard Becker

Leonard Carl William Becker, 94 years old, of Wausau, Wisconsin passed victoriously into eternal life with his LORD and Savior Jesus Christ from Stone Crest Residence on Thursday, December 12, 2024.

Born at home on June 8, 1930, in Almena, Wisconsin, Leonard was the son of the late Charles and Lena Becker. Leonard attended Barron High School from 1945-1948. He was drafted into the US Army and served his country from 1954-1956. Leonard attended UW-Rivers Falls on the GI Bill, majoring in Agriculture and graduating in 1960.

Leonard's early years were spent farming with his father and Uncle Bill who were successful potato farmers in Almena. This work was done year-round, as they would travel to Homestead, FL in a caravan of trucks and equipment, to grow potatoes during the winter. This continued through his childhood until his time of military service. This early experience helped shape Leonard's belief in the importance of integrity, honesty, and keeping your word to others.

Leonard married Loris Balko, also of Almena in 1953. Their courtship began when Leonard was driving by Loris' house, where she was sitting on the curb. He stopped and said, "Hey, let's go for a ride." She jumped in and away they went. That ride lasted through 71 years of marriage.

Leonard worked throughout the years for different agencies in the agriculture industry, including the Farmers Home Administration, eventually retiring from the State of Wisconsin Job Service.

Leonard was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church from 1965 until the time of his death. Leonard served in various capacities from church treasurer, secretary, church council, school board, outreach committee, elders, among others. He also sang in the church choir, directed by Loris.

Leonard was dedicated to his family and his faith in his Savior. He was a humble man whose faith and values were reflected in his daily life. He taught these values to his children and grandchildren through words and example. As his legacy, he only cared that all his future generations hold true to their faith in and love for Jesus Christ.

Leonard was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, and great grandpa. He is survived by his wife, Loris; three children, Brian (Linda) Becker of Bloomington, MN; Lisa (Dave) Borman, Ladysmith, WI; Laurel (Jeff) Sargent, Wausau, WI; and son-in-law, Paul (Valerie) Buch, Wausau, WI; ten grandchildren, Andrew (Stacia) Borman of Edgerton, WI; Matthew (Kait) Buch, Green Bay, WI; Zach (Hannah) Sargent, Wausau, WI; Christian (Kelsey) Borman, Columbus, WI; Danielle (Caleb) Becker Ellingson, Minneapolis, MN; Bethany (Nate) Hettinga, Weston, WI; Molly (Patrick) Van Daalwyk, Beaver Dam, WI; Jessica (Luke) Grundman, Mosinee, WI; Katja (Nathan) Klok, Burnsville, MN; Jhenna Becker, New Brighton, MN; Ten great grandchildren, Matthew, Jacob, and Aaron Grundman; Vera and Lennon Borman; Acre Borman; Emma and Josephine Sargent; Titus Buch; Sophia Hettinga; brother-in-law Jerry Nordquist, Almena, WI; and the church militant.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Edith (Orville) Nickle; Edna (Tom) Thompson; Elsie (Jack) Matye; Evelyn Nordquist; one brother, Clarence Becker; daughter, Luann Buch and all the Saints Triumphant.

Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday December 18, 2024 at Our Savior's Evangelical Lutheran Church Wels Church (703 Flieth St, Wausau, WI 54401) Pastor Jeffrey Mahnke will officate. Visitation will be on Wednesday December 18, 2024 from 11:30 am until the hour of Service at the church. Military Honors will follow the Service.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at The Garden Apartments and Stone Crest, Interim Palliative and Hospice Care, and Dr. Patrick Allen for their care of Leonard.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to The Garden Apartments or Stone Crest.