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- Lyle Michael Becker, loving husband, family patriarch, successful businessman, military veteran, author, photographer, accomplished world traveler, master Sheepshead and Bridge player, award-winning gardener, graceful dancer, gifted singer and generous friend to all, died peacefully at age 91 on Friday, December 26, 2014.
Born in Brillion on April 25, 1923, to the late Michael Peter and Anna (Pritzl) Becker, Lyle graduated from Brillion High School in 1941, where he distinguished himself as senior class president, yearbook editor, band member, captain of the cheerleading squad, and District Delegate to Badger Boys State. Raised in a family of musicians, he shared his love of music playing baritone with the Brillion City Band, was a member of the Green Bay Men's Chorus, and later, sang with the Santa Barbara Men's Choral Society. Inspired by his father's commitment to public service as Postmaster of the Brillion Post Office, Lyle served as City of Brillion Alderman, President of the Brillion Lion's Club, and founding member of the Chilton Hospital Board. He was honored for his civic mindedness as one of the Outstanding Young Men of Wisconsin in 1954. He proudly served in the 87th Acorn Division, US Infantry, World War II, stationed in England, France, Belgium, and Germany. While on furlough, July 25, 1944, Lyle was united in marriage to his lifetime soulmate, Dolores Joanna Jacobs. The couple has enjoyed 70 dedicated years together.
As an innovative businessman, Lyle established the L. M. Becker Co. Inc. and its Toy 'n Joy division, manufacturing and marketing vending machines and novelties. This family-owned business celebrated its 65th anniversary in 2006. Lyle served in various official capacities as a member of the National Bulk Vendors Association. Author of two books, the first about the spiritual dimensions of entrepreneurship and family life, the second an inspirational book about making life more peaceful, healthy and happy, Lyle was working on a third about his relationship with God. A man of faith and spiritual commitment, Lyle was a member of Saint Barbara Parish, Mission Santa Barbara, CA. and a Charter Member of St. Bernard Catholic Parish in Appleton. He served as president of both the Holy Name Society in Brillion and Retreats International; was a founding member of the Cursillo Movement in the Green Bay Diocese; and established The Caliana Foundation, "to help the less fortunate in the world," in memory of Callie and Anna, Dolores and Lyle's "very caring" mothers.
Distinguished business, church and community achievements aside, Lyle was more than anything, a gentleman, one of those rare men who family members and friends seek out . . . for love and support, for advice and understanding, for laughs and friendship. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Dolores; five sons: Michael P. Becker, Santa Fe, NM; James (Mary) Becker, Santa Fe, NM; Paul Becker, Neenah; Peter Becker, St. Petersburg, FL; and Jonathan (Nicole) Becker, Brillion; three daughters: Kristine Becker, Appleton; Susan (Douglas) Svetnicka, Santa Fe, NM; and Patrice Becker, Aspen, CO. Lyle was devoted to his eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Lyle was preceded in death by an infant son, John Joseph Becker, his parents Michael and Anna Becker, six brothers (Frank, Richard, Eugene, Bernard, Harold, and infant brother Joseph), and five sisters (Lillian Straitiff, Helen O'Hearn, Anita Leonard, Mary Sphatt, and Louise Becker).
A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 am on Friday, January 2, 2015, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 1615 W. Pine St., Appleton, with Father Dennis Ryan officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Friday from 9 am until the time of service. Reception to follow. Internment at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Brillion.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Living Tree Estates in Greenville, as well as the staff of Southern Care Hospice for their love, care and concern.
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1923 - 2014 (91 years)
