Jay Reuben Becklin

MIDDLETON- Jay Reuben Becklin, age 73, passed away at UW-Hospital on Feb. 8, 2014, due to an anoxic brain injury. Although this was sudden, he spent his final days prior to the injury doing what he loved: spending time with his wife and children, talking politics, and analyzing the stock market. He was born on December 9, 1940 to Rudolph and Clara (Henschel) Becklin, and was raised in Milaca, Minn. He graduated from Macalester College with a B.A. in Economics and Political Science before attending Indiana University where he earned an M.B.A. and a doctorate in Applied Economics and Forecasting. In his early career, he was a professor of Economics and Finance at New Mexico State University, where he served as department head. He moved to Madison to work for the Credit Union National Association as an economist. During his 21-year career at CUNA he served as President of two subsidiaries and later as a Senior Vice President. While working at CUNA, he met his wife, Katherine. They were married on January 6, 1979, at Yellowstone Lutheran Church in rural Blanchardville. Family was the center of Jay’s life, and his quick wit, love of discourse, and intellect created a happy, stimulating home. A first-time father at age 51, Jay retired from CUNA after the birth of his son and began his own investment advising firm—a natural choice, as he loved studying markets. He travelled extensively with his family, was a student of Impressionism and the opera, and served in numerous capacities. He served the Lutheran church, an institution he dearly loved, as a member of the South Central Synod of Wisconsin’s Synod Council and as a voting member at three Church wide Assemblies. He also served as a director of Oak Bank in Fitchburg from the time of its founding. He was an active member of Advent Lutheran Church in Madison. Jay is survived by his wife, Katherine Johnson-Becklin and their children, Hans Eric (Decorah, Iowa) and Alexandra; his siblings Janice Anderson (Ft. Myers, Fla.), Jack (Ardis) Becklin (Milaca, Minn.); and his sister-in-law Marlys Becklin (Woodbury, Minn.). He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jim Becklin, and his brother-in-law Chuck Anderson. Funeral services will be held at ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH, 7118 Old Sauk Rd., Madison at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014. Visitation will be held at the church from 5 until 8 p.m on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014. Burial will be held at Yellowstone Lutheran Cemetery in rural Blanchardville at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday. The family wishes to thank the Rev. Jeff Wild for his abiding emotional and spiritual care, and to thank the staff of UW Trauma and Life Support Center, especially Dr. Loren Denlinger and Janielle Razen, RN. Memorials in Jay’s memory may be sent to the Advent Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, 7118 Old Sauk Rd. Madison, WI 53717, which supports students attending Lutheran colleges and seminaries and the work of the Lutheran Church throughout the world. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Avenue (608)831-6761