Dennis Becker, Sr. Obituary

Dennis Edward Becker Sr., 75, of Winona, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 8th, 2024 in Shakopee, MN after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Dennis was born on October 5, 1949, in Winona, MN to Edward and LeMae Becker. 

Dennis graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1968 and attended Winona Vocational School in 1969 for Tool and Die. 

On May 26th, 1973, Dennis was united in marriage to Dona Becker (Smith). Dennis and Dona’s union was blessed with a family of 4 sons. 

Dennis prided himself on being a hard worker! Through his 50+ years of working in the Winona area he was employed at Piggly Wiggly, Archer Daniels, Lake Center Industries, Arrowhead Bearing, Ronco Engineering, Technical Die Casting, and First Student.

In his free time, one could always find Dennis duffing around a golf course or rolling in a local bowling league. Through the years, he was well accomplished at both sports, so much so that his mantel was always well adorned with the trophies of his accomplishments. In his younger years, Dennis lived to be outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his close friend and brother-in-law, Wayne Larsen. Their adventures always produced fish beyond tales and included Dennis’ prized 22 point whitetail. However, Dennis’ most euphoric stories were of his childhood days in East Burns Valley. He and his siblings would walk the valley and creek and play until daylight was gone. He would fish the waters so much that he and all the fish were well acquainted. Dennis would often reminisce over this period of his life in East Burns Valley. This was a time for Dennis when the world was right, and he was full of happiness.

Dennis was a well-known fixture of the community and would often be greeted by friends, family and acquaintances with the shout of “Hey Denny!”. All too often, Denny could turn a quick trip to a local store into a couple hours of chatting with a friend he had not seen in years. This was always to the frustration of anyone waiting on Denny, but truly a testament to the friendships he nurtured through his years in the community. 

Dennis loved family gatherings! Dennis would often reflect on the days he spent with his family at gatherings throughout the years. He longed for the days when all his family would gather at Money Creek campground, have a family breakfast at Farmers Park, picnics at Lake Winona, and most often gatherings at his sister Yvonne’s house in Witoka. The gatherings in Witoka always led to what can only be called the most epic of card games ever to be played on the ridge. Sore bellies from the laughter and sore knuckles from the slamming of cards were a trademark of such events. When Dennis, Tootie, Wayne, and Grandpa Ed we embattled in a game of cards, winners and losers always varied, but the keystone memories were forged in them forever!

Dennis is survived by his wife Dona, of 51 years; children Dennis Jr (Debbie) Becker, Edward (Tracy) Becker, Bob Brown, and Donald (Majorie) Brown; grandchildren, Victoria Sadler, Mackenzie Weimerskirch, Samantha Steinfeld, Joseph Becker, Tyler Brown, Kyle Brown, Jack (Kara)  Nelsestuen, Dillon Brown, Brody Brown and Kaitlyn Brown; great-grandchildren, Olivia Nelsestuen, Max Nelsestuen, Jordyn Brown; brother, David (Brenda) Becker; brother-in-law, Wayne Larsen and family; Scott Larsen, Brian Larsen, Jasson Larsen, Heidi (Jason) Carrier; many nieces and nephews. 

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Yvonne Larsen, and Lori Kutchara; and daughter-in-law, Lisa Brown; and great-grandchild, Meadow Brown.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 14th from 1:00pm-3:00pm, with a prayer service at 2:30pm at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview, MN.