George Becker

George E. Becker, Jr., age 100, of Peotone, passed away at his home on Thursday, March 15, 2018 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on August 28, 1917 in Monee, IL, the son of the late George Sr. and Elizabeth (Stolzenbach) Becker.  He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 54 years, Loretta E. (Ruhbeck) Becker who he married on August 15, 1964 at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Peotone; loving father of 6 children, the late Raymond Becker, Loretta (Kenneth) Gallagher of Manhattan, Barbara (Ronald) Hnetkovsky of Channahon, Larry (Mattie) Becker of Manhattan, Bonnie (the late Robert) Struthers of Manhattan, and Daniel (Jodi) Becker of Peotone; adoring grandfather of 13, Joann Olsen, Matthew Becker, Brenda McClintock, Rhonda Quigley, Timothy Gallagher, Deanna Hnetkovsky, Donna Phelan, Jessica Becker, Cody Becker, Robert Struthers, Edwin Struthers, Evelyn Becker, the late Kevin Gallagher; great-grandfather of 19; and great-great grandfather of 4 with another on the way.  He is also survived by a brother, Marvin (the late Aletha) Becker of Gilman; a sister, Marion (the late Norman) Ruhbeck of Peotone; a daughter-in-law, Sharon Kiehl of Florida; a sister-in-law, Helen Becker of Joliet; and numerous nieces and nephews.  The family is extremely grateful for George’s caregiver, Vidas Ebas, who provided tremendous care and support over the past several months.  George was preceded in death by his parents, his 1st wife, Irene G. (Waldvogel) Becker (May 11, 1963); 3 brothers, Louis (Elda), Arnold, and Vernon Becker; and 4 sisters, Kathryn (Frank) Malone, Lorna (Lavern) Waldvogel, Carolyn Smith, and an infant sister, Dorothy.

He was a machinist by trade, and a farmer by heart.  He retired from Calumet Steel at age 65 and then continued to farm for another 24 years.  Even after that he tinkered with his tractor preparing for antique tractor rides and demonstrations. He was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ in Peotone where he served as a Trustee and Elder and loved to play dart ball on the church’s team.  He served on the Peotone Planning and Zoning Commission, and was past president of the Peotone Sportsman Club.  He was an honorary member of the United Steel Workers of America Local 1027 and a member of the Illinois Farm Bureau.

Visitation will be held at the Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home on Sunday, March 18 from 2:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.  Funeral services will be held at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Peotone on Monday, March 19 at 11:00 a.m., Rev. Dwight Gorbold officiating.  Burial will be at Peotone Cemetery.  Memorials to Immanuel United Church of Christ, the Peotone Paramedics, or Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431 would be appreciated.