Lester Becker
August 22, 1926 ~ March 18, 2013
View Lester's Tribute Video
Lester Becker, 86, of St. Lawrence, passed away Monday, March 18, 2013 at the Good Samaritan Society in Miller.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 22, 2013 at the St. Lawrence Community Church with Pastor Scot Tutt officiating. Burial followed at the St. Lawrence Cemetery. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2013 with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at the church.
Lester Kenneth Becker was born August 22, 1926 to John & Freida (Hardie) Becker on the family farm south of Rockham, SD. He attended rural Sanger School for 8 years, 3 years at Rockham High School and graduated from St. Lawrence High School in May 1944. After high school he helped his father on the farm while his brothers were in the service.
On May 12, 1948 he married Verna Van Zee and they moved to a farm in Holden Township. He continued to farm and raise livestock until 2008, when he moved to Miller Good Samaritan Society.
Les was an active member of the St. Lawrence Community Church where he served as a board member. He served on the Hand County Memorial Hospital Board for 23 years, a County Committee member, and the ASCS board for 9 years. He also served as school and township board member and 4-H leader for 25 years.
He is survived by his wife, Verna, St. Lawrence; three daughters: Cheryl (Dwane) Pease, Pierre, Dianne (Steve) Shaykett, Hartford, and Debra (Tim) Pullman, Miller; two granddaughters, Christy (Jason) Ehlers, Pierre and Jessica Shaykett, Minneapolis, MN; one grandson, Travis (Katie) Shaykett, Sioux Falls; three great-grandsons: Tyler (Mary) Ehlers, Justin and Dawson Ehlers, all of Pierre; one great-granddaughter, Clara Shaykett of Sioux Falls; one great-great grandson, Karson Ehlers, Pierre.; one sister, Elvina (Roger) Engle, New Hope, MN; two sisters-in-law: Leona (Blondie) Becker and Lucy Becker, both of Redfield; one brother-in-law, Robert Schmidt, Redfield.
Les is preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Evelyn, Lucillia Abby, and Irene Schmidt; brothers: Marvin, Milton, and Marlin.
Memorials can be sent to St. Lawrence Community Church, PO Box 65, St. Lawrence, SD 57373 or Hand Co. Health, Wellness & Community Foundation, PO Box 121, Miller, SD 57362.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Lester’s arrangements.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Thinking of you as you say goodbye to your loved one. It has been tough but know Lester is at peace now. God be with all of you. Sincerely, Jenise
Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength-
With Sympathy-
Janet Rezek Mertz
Verna, Cheryl, Diana, Deb & families, So sorry to hear of Lester’s passing. He was always someone that I looked up to as many did in this county. What a great guy! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this sad time. He is at peace now. With sympathy…Debbie & Melvin Brueggeman
Our deepest sympathies on Les’ passing. I have such great memories of him and will hold him and all of you in my heart.
So sorry about Uncle Les. Kirk and I will keep you in our prayers.
WE wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the family. Sorry we can’t make it. Always know our prayers and thoughts are with you at this dificult time. Uncle Les will be missed.
My deepest condolences to Verna and her family in the loss of Lester. Lester was such a good friend to my parents, Fred and Evelyn Fanning. It’s at this time one is reminded how important friendships are in enriching lives. May we all cherish the fond memories of Lester.
Verna, you and Les were such good neighbors to us on the farm for many many years.
Our sympathy to you and your family.
Carol & Joe Campbell