Roman Julius "Bud" Becker, age 87 of Hartington, Nebraska, died on Sunday July 28, 2013 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, SD of an apparent heart attack
For those who knew Bud well, they knew him as a man who had a lifelong passion for aviation, an enduring commitment to his hometown and the airport he worked tirelessly to develop, and immense pride and love for his nine children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Born at Hartington on April 23, 1926, to Frank and Hulda Louise (Hochstein) Becker, Bud was the oldest of seven siblings. Childhood days were spent on the family farm, doing chores, playing with cousins and toy tractors. At 16, Bud traded in tractors for airplanes, saving up his money for flying lessons. On his 17th birthday, Bud got his pilot's license - his first solo flight was landing at the family farm and surprising his parents and siblings.
From 1944 to 1946, Bud served in the Army Aircorp, taking part in Task Force Frigid, specializing in liquid cooled engines on P51s. In 1946, he returned home, became a Cessna sub-dealer, and taught classes at his dad's farm.
In 1948, Bud made two of the best choices he would ever make in his life-on August 18, he married Esther Helen Martin, and then began Becker Flying Service. In 1949, the Hartington Airport officially opened, and Bud immersed himself in developing and growing the field. The family moved back to the airport, and Bud devoted his days to seeing it expand. He also worked to grow Becker Flying Service, teaching sons, Tom and Steve, to spray.
In 1995, Bud and Esther moved into town, and Bud became Chairman of the Airport Authority, leading the development of an administration building, a parallel taxi-way, a fuel depot and new hangars. He also served on the Chamber of Commerce and was a lifetime member of the Hartington VFW Post 5283.
In 2003, Bud "retired," selling Becker Flying Service to his oldest son, Tom. His interest and commitment to aviation continued through, purchasing and selling airplanes, flying his J-3 Cub, and taking his grandson, John, under his wing, as he began his career as an aerial applicator.
On April 26, 2013, Bud received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, an award that honors pilots who demonstrate professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise. The ceremony was held at his "home away from home,"Bud Becker Field, where he spent the day sharing stories with family, friends, and fellow pilots.
Bud's accomplishments and contributions were many, and his family will miss their teacher, the man who was always guiding, whether it was through a suggestion or a story. His interest in learning was profound - no detail was too small to study - and his enthusiasm for finding "a better way" was contagious. Whether he was Bud, Dad, or Gramps, he taught us all, and because of him, we are better.
His spirit lives on in those he loved here on Earth: son, Tom (Gail) Becker and grandchildren, Tiffany (Bobby), John (Emily) and Janelle Becker, of Hartington; daughter-in-law, Sheane (Ron) Hatch and grandchildren, Justin, Carissa (Shaun) Finn, and Paul Becker, of Yankton; daughter, Pam (Ken) Schaefer and granddaughter, Katie of Yankton; daughter, Deanna (Dave) Uhl and grandsons, Steven (Haley), and Michael, of New Braunfels, TX; son, Kevin (Tena) Becker of Yankton; son, Terry Becker of Yankton; daughter Kristi (David) Ekeren and grandchildren, Brady and Sarah, of Yankton; daughter, Jana (Dan) Ekeren and grandsons, Travis and Tanner, of Yankton; son, Chuck (Susan) Becker and grandchildren, Molly, Beau, and Rex, of Hartington; as well as many cherished great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sisters, Jolene (Harold)Leise of Hartington; and Alice Lammers of Pincher Creek, Alberta, Canada; a brother, Ken (Sheree) Becker of Hartington; and his sisters-in-law Denelda Becker of Hartington and Jeanne Becker (Johnson) of Crofton, Nebraska.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Hulda, wife, Esther, on July 22, 2011 at the age of 82, his son, Steve in July of 1986, his brothers, Marcel (Tubby) and David Becker; his sisters, LaVerne Pick, Della Becker and a brother-in-law, Marcel Lammers.
Pallbearers will be John Becker, Justin Becker, Paul Becker, Steven Uhl, Michael Uhl, Brady Ekeren, Travis Ekeren, Tanner Ekeren, Beau Becker and Rex Becker.
Obituary & Photo is from The Wintz Funeral Home
For those who knew Bud well, they knew him as a man who had a lifelong passion for aviation, an enduring commitment to his hometown and the airport he worked tirelessly to develop, and immense pride and love for his nine children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Born at Hartington on April 23, 1926, to Frank and Hulda Louise (Hochstein) Becker, Bud was the oldest of seven siblings. Childhood days were spent on the family farm, doing chores, playing with cousins and toy tractors. At 16, Bud traded in tractors for airplanes, saving up his money for flying lessons. On his 17th birthday, Bud got his pilot's license - his first solo flight was landing at the family farm and surprising his parents and siblings.
From 1944 to 1946, Bud served in the Army Aircorp, taking part in Task Force Frigid, specializing in liquid cooled engines on P51s. In 1946, he returned home, became a Cessna sub-dealer, and taught classes at his dad's farm.
In 1948, Bud made two of the best choices he would ever make in his life-on August 18, he married Esther Helen Martin, and then began Becker Flying Service. In 1949, the Hartington Airport officially opened, and Bud immersed himself in developing and growing the field. The family moved back to the airport, and Bud devoted his days to seeing it expand. He also worked to grow Becker Flying Service, teaching sons, Tom and Steve, to spray.
In 1995, Bud and Esther moved into town, and Bud became Chairman of the Airport Authority, leading the development of an administration building, a parallel taxi-way, a fuel depot and new hangars. He also served on the Chamber of Commerce and was a lifetime member of the Hartington VFW Post 5283.
In 2003, Bud "retired," selling Becker Flying Service to his oldest son, Tom. His interest and commitment to aviation continued through, purchasing and selling airplanes, flying his J-3 Cub, and taking his grandson, John, under his wing, as he began his career as an aerial applicator.
On April 26, 2013, Bud received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, an award that honors pilots who demonstrate professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise. The ceremony was held at his "home away from home,"Bud Becker Field, where he spent the day sharing stories with family, friends, and fellow pilots.
Bud's accomplishments and contributions were many, and his family will miss their teacher, the man who was always guiding, whether it was through a suggestion or a story. His interest in learning was profound - no detail was too small to study - and his enthusiasm for finding "a better way" was contagious. Whether he was Bud, Dad, or Gramps, he taught us all, and because of him, we are better.
His spirit lives on in those he loved here on Earth: son, Tom (Gail) Becker and grandchildren, Tiffany (Bobby), John (Emily) and Janelle Becker, of Hartington; daughter-in-law, Sheane (Ron) Hatch and grandchildren, Justin, Carissa (Shaun) Finn, and Paul Becker, of Yankton; daughter, Pam (Ken) Schaefer and granddaughter, Katie of Yankton; daughter, Deanna (Dave) Uhl and grandsons, Steven (Haley), and Michael, of New Braunfels, TX; son, Kevin (Tena) Becker of Yankton; son, Terry Becker of Yankton; daughter Kristi (David) Ekeren and grandchildren, Brady and Sarah, of Yankton; daughter, Jana (Dan) Ekeren and grandsons, Travis and Tanner, of Yankton; son, Chuck (Susan) Becker and grandchildren, Molly, Beau, and Rex, of Hartington; as well as many cherished great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sisters, Jolene (Harold)Leise of Hartington; and Alice Lammers of Pincher Creek, Alberta, Canada; a brother, Ken (Sheree) Becker of Hartington; and his sisters-in-law Denelda Becker of Hartington and Jeanne Becker (Johnson) of Crofton, Nebraska.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Hulda, wife, Esther, on July 22, 2011 at the age of 82, his son, Steve in July of 1986, his brothers, Marcel (Tubby) and David Becker; his sisters, LaVerne Pick, Della Becker and a brother-in-law, Marcel Lammers.
Pallbearers will be John Becker, Justin Becker, Paul Becker, Steven Uhl, Michael Uhl, Brady Ekeren, Travis Ekeren, Tanner Ekeren, Beau Becker and Rex Becker.
Obituary & Photo is from The Wintz Funeral Home
Roman Julius "Bud" Becker, age 87 of Hartington, Nebraska, died on Sunday July 28, 2013 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, SD of an apparent heart attack
For those who knew Bud well, they knew him as a man who had a lifelong passion for aviation, an enduring commitment to his hometown and the airport he worked tirelessly to develop, and immense pride and love for his nine children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Born at Hartington on April 23, 1926, to Frank and Hulda Louise (Hochstein) Becker, Bud was the oldest of seven siblings. Childhood days were spent on the family farm, doing chores, playing with cousins and toy tractors. At 16, Bud traded in tractors for airplanes, saving up his money for flying lessons. On his 17th birthday, Bud got his pilot's license - his first solo flight was landing at the family farm and surprising his parents and siblings.
From 1944 to 1946, Bud served in the Army Aircorp, taking part in Task Force Frigid, specializing in liquid cooled engines on P51s. In 1946, he returned home, became a Cessna sub-dealer, and taught classes at his dad's farm.
In 1948, Bud made two of the best choices he would ever make in his life-on August 18, he married Esther Helen Martin, and then began Becker Flying Service. In 1949, the Hartington Airport officially opened, and Bud immersed himself in developing and growing the field. The family moved back to the airport, and Bud devoted his days to seeing it expand. He also worked to grow Becker Flying Service, teaching sons, Tom and Steve, to spray.
In 1995, Bud and Esther moved into town, and Bud became Chairman of the Airport Authority, leading the development of an administration building, a parallel taxi-way, a fuel depot and new hangars. He also served on the Chamber of Commerce and was a lifetime member of the Hartington VFW Post 5283.
In 2003, Bud "retired," selling Becker Flying Service to his oldest son, Tom. His interest and commitment to aviation continued through, purchasing and selling airplanes, flying his J-3 Cub, and taking his grandson, John, under his wing, as he began his career as an aerial applicator.
On April 26, 2013, Bud received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, an award that honors pilots who demonstrate professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise. The ceremony was held at his "home away from home,"Bud Becker Field, where he spent the day sharing stories with family, friends, and fellow pilots.
Bud's accomplishments and contributions were many, and his family will miss their teacher, the man who was always guiding, whether it was through a suggestion or a story. His interest in learning was profound - no detail was too small to study - and his enthusiasm for finding "a better way" was contagious. Whether he was Bud, Dad, or Gramps, he taught us all, and because of him, we are better.
His spirit lives on in those he loved here on Earth: son, Tom (Gail) Becker and grandchildren, Tiffany (Bobby), John (Emily) and Janelle Becker, of Hartington; daughter-in-law, Sheane (Ron) Hatch and grandchildren, Justin, Carissa (Shaun) Finn, and Paul Becker, of Yankton; daughter, Pam (Ken) Schaefer and granddaughter, Katie of Yankton; daughter, Deanna (Dave) Uhl and grandsons, Steven (Haley), and Michael, of New Braunfels, TX; son, Kevin (Tena) Becker of Yankton; son, Terry Becker of Yankton; daughter Kristi (David) Ekeren and grandchildren, Brady and Sarah, of Yankton; daughter, Jana (Dan) Ekeren and grandsons, Travis and Tanner, of Yankton; son, Chuck (Susan) Becker and grandchildren, Molly, Beau, and Rex, of Hartington; as well as many cherished great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sisters, Jolene (Harold)Leise of Hartington; and Alice Lammers of Pincher Creek, Alberta, Canada; a brother, Ken (Sheree) Becker of Hartington; and his sisters-in-law Denelda Becker of Hartington and Jeanne Becker (Johnson) of Crofton, Nebraska.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Hulda, wife, Esther, on July 22, 2011 at the age of 82, his son, Steve in July of 1986, his brothers, Marcel (Tubby) and David Becker; his sisters, LaVerne Pick, Della Becker and a brother-in-law, Marcel Lammers.
Pallbearers will be John Becker, Justin Becker, Paul Becker, Steven Uhl, Michael Uhl, Brady Ekeren, Travis Ekeren, Tanner Ekeren, Beau Becker and Rex Becker.
Obituary & Photo is from The Wintz Funeral Home
For those who knew Bud well, they knew him as a man who had a lifelong passion for aviation, an enduring commitment to his hometown and the airport he worked tirelessly to develop, and immense pride and love for his nine children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Born at Hartington on April 23, 1926, to Frank and Hulda Louise (Hochstein) Becker, Bud was the oldest of seven siblings. Childhood days were spent on the family farm, doing chores, playing with cousins and toy tractors. At 16, Bud traded in tractors for airplanes, saving up his money for flying lessons. On his 17th birthday, Bud got his pilot's license - his first solo flight was landing at the family farm and surprising his parents and siblings.
From 1944 to 1946, Bud served in the Army Aircorp, taking part in Task Force Frigid, specializing in liquid cooled engines on P51s. In 1946, he returned home, became a Cessna sub-dealer, and taught classes at his dad's farm.
In 1948, Bud made two of the best choices he would ever make in his life-on August 18, he married Esther Helen Martin, and then began Becker Flying Service. In 1949, the Hartington Airport officially opened, and Bud immersed himself in developing and growing the field. The family moved back to the airport, and Bud devoted his days to seeing it expand. He also worked to grow Becker Flying Service, teaching sons, Tom and Steve, to spray.
In 1995, Bud and Esther moved into town, and Bud became Chairman of the Airport Authority, leading the development of an administration building, a parallel taxi-way, a fuel depot and new hangars. He also served on the Chamber of Commerce and was a lifetime member of the Hartington VFW Post 5283.
In 2003, Bud "retired," selling Becker Flying Service to his oldest son, Tom. His interest and commitment to aviation continued through, purchasing and selling airplanes, flying his J-3 Cub, and taking his grandson, John, under his wing, as he began his career as an aerial applicator.
On April 26, 2013, Bud received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, an award that honors pilots who demonstrate professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise. The ceremony was held at his "home away from home,"Bud Becker Field, where he spent the day sharing stories with family, friends, and fellow pilots.
Bud's accomplishments and contributions were many, and his family will miss their teacher, the man who was always guiding, whether it was through a suggestion or a story. His interest in learning was profound - no detail was too small to study - and his enthusiasm for finding "a better way" was contagious. Whether he was Bud, Dad, or Gramps, he taught us all, and because of him, we are better.
His spirit lives on in those he loved here on Earth: son, Tom (Gail) Becker and grandchildren, Tiffany (Bobby), John (Emily) and Janelle Becker, of Hartington; daughter-in-law, Sheane (Ron) Hatch and grandchildren, Justin, Carissa (Shaun) Finn, and Paul Becker, of Yankton; daughter, Pam (Ken) Schaefer and granddaughter, Katie of Yankton; daughter, Deanna (Dave) Uhl and grandsons, Steven (Haley), and Michael, of New Braunfels, TX; son, Kevin (Tena) Becker of Yankton; son, Terry Becker of Yankton; daughter Kristi (David) Ekeren and grandchildren, Brady and Sarah, of Yankton; daughter, Jana (Dan) Ekeren and grandsons, Travis and Tanner, of Yankton; son, Chuck (Susan) Becker and grandchildren, Molly, Beau, and Rex, of Hartington; as well as many cherished great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sisters, Jolene (Harold)Leise of Hartington; and Alice Lammers of Pincher Creek, Alberta, Canada; a brother, Ken (Sheree) Becker of Hartington; and his sisters-in-law Denelda Becker of Hartington and Jeanne Becker (Johnson) of Crofton, Nebraska.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Hulda, wife, Esther, on July 22, 2011 at the age of 82, his son, Steve in July of 1986, his brothers, Marcel (Tubby) and David Becker; his sisters, LaVerne Pick, Della Becker and a brother-in-law, Marcel Lammers.
Pallbearers will be John Becker, Justin Becker, Paul Becker, Steven Uhl, Michael Uhl, Brady Ekeren, Travis Ekeren, Tanner Ekeren, Beau Becker and Rex Becker.
Obituary & Photo is from The Wintz Funeral Home
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