William Becker, son of John and Mary Kramer Becker, was born June 16, 1892, at Exeter, Neb. January 21, 1958, he entered the Veterans Hospital at Lincoln and following an extended illness, passed away April 23, 1958 at the age of 65 years, 10 months and 7 days.

He grew to manhood in the Exeter community, where he farmed prior to entering the U. S. Army in World War I. Mr. Becker was inducted at Fort Riley, Kas., October 5, 1917, and served as a machine gunner in Co. H, 128th Bn., 35th Division during the battles of Belleau Wood, Chateau Theirry, St. Mihiel and the Argonne Forest. He returned to the states in May, 1919, and received his discharge at Fort Dodge, Ia.

February 11, 1920, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Kelly, in St. Stephen's Church in Exeter. They farmed in the Exeter and Geneva vicinities until 1956, when they retired to Exeter. To this union were born one son and three daughters.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; son, William E.; daughters, Mrs. Elaine Hassler, Mrs. Lenore Eckels of Edgar and Mrs. Jean Volkmer of Geneva; a daughter-in-law; three sons-in-law; 11 grandchildren; three brothers; four sisters; other relatives and a host of friends. Mr. Becker was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers and two sisters.

Mr. Becker was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather; a man of integrity and high ideals. He was esteemed by all who knew him.

funeral services, under the direction of the Farmer Funeral Home were held Saturday, April 26, in St. Stephen's Church in Exeter with Msgr. H. H. Ingehorst officiating at a Requiem mass. Pallbearers were nephews, Herb Becker, Jerome P. Harre, Ralph Dumpert, James Geiger, Francis Becker and Roland Becker. Interment was in the Exeter Cemetery, with the American Legion assisting i the burial rites, including a salute by the firing squad under the command of Harold Schneider.

The Nebraska Signal May 8, 1958 page 2.