LODI - Ken Becker went to his eternal home surrounded by family on Saturday, November 23, 2024. A native of Johnson Creek, Wisconsin, Ken attended Northwestern University before volunteering to serve in World War II as a navigator on B17s. Stationed in Foggia, Italy, he flew 17 bombing missions, proudly serving his country as one of "The Greatest Generation."

After returning from the war Ken enrolled at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, graduating in 1949, and has been a proud Badger ever since. Raised during the Great Depression, Ken believed that "UW gave me the keys to unlock the doors to the world" and in order to enable others to do the same he has supported many other students' financial journeys through UW.

After serving again in the Korean War, Ken married Marjean Clough in 1952, settling in northern Illinois where he was the first employee of Mundelein Savings and Loan, eventually rising to the rank of president. Providing support of his community through civic engagement on various boards, clubs, and church, Ken has always been a pillar of his community.

An avid fisherman, Ken and Marjean bought a home in Harmony Grove on Lake Wisconsin in 1978 in preparation for his impending retirement in 1984. At 100 years old, he was still out there fishing, although we did convince him to stop ice fishing two years ago.

Ever the jokester, hugger, and social butterfly, Ken put a smile on so many faces and touched the hearts of everyone he knew.

Ken was proceeded in death by his wife, Marjean; infant son, Billy; his mom and dad, Aden (nee Stiehm) and Edward Baker; beloved sister, Evelyn Schaefle; and brothers, Howie and Harold.

Ken is survived by his other four children, Karen Becker, Barbara Rouse, John Becker, and Janet McGrath; cherished daughter-in-law, Amy Becker; and loving grandchildren, Ken Westermann, Melissa Johnson, Davey Humburg, Adam Rouse, Abbie O'Connor, Kyle Becker, Josh Denniley, Cory Benoit, and Eric Jacobs; along with ten great-grandchildren, Grayson and Ella Rouse, Brandon and Marshall O'Connor, Ava and Nolan Becker, Koda Benoit, and Natalia, Petra, and Oliver Jacobs. We will all continue to let his light shine.

A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON LODI FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 157 S. Main St., Lodi, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday, November 29, 2024, and also at DEKORRA LUTHERAN CHURCH, N3099 Smith Road, Poynette, from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 30, 2024. A funeral service will be held at the church at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Memorials may be made to University of Wisconsin-Madison. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com

Gunderson Lodi

Funeral & Cremation Care

157 S. Main St.

(608) 592-3201

Kenneth Edward Becker

October 17, 1923 - November 23, 2024

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