John R. Becker passed away peacefully at 2:40 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26th 2026 at the Aurora Medical Center in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. John was born in Two Rivers on September 23, 1932, the son of George and Bernice (Schimmel) Becker.

John grew up in Sheboygan Falls and Two Rivers with fond memories of his times staying and working on the Becker family farm with his close cousin Dick. He graduated from Washington High, class of '50'. He worked for the family Becker Meats business until he joined the United States Air Force in 1950. His military service included a period stationed in the Philippines as a radar operator. He was honorably discharged from service in 1954. On October 30,1954 he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy LeClair at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Two Rivers. His early career as a butcher ended after contracting tuberculosis. With assistance from the Veterans Association he graduated from MSOE in 1960 with a degree in mechanical engineering which he achieved while Nancy worked as a Registered Nurse, and together they cared for the first of their three young daughters. He worked the rest of his career at Square D in Milwaukee being promoted through the ranks from process engineer to Plant Manager and finishing in Human Resources. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed golfing regularly, making and smoking his own homemade summer sausage, bacon and wieners; playing Sheepshead; camping, and any road trip. He loved to ‘hit the road’! He retired in 1990 and he and Nancy purchased their first Airstream and became members of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International.

In 1992, John and Nancy returned home to Two Rivers. They attended many local and international Airstream rallies throughout the U.S. and one 2-month rally through Mexico. John was very involved with Habitat for Humanity and they were both active members of St. Luke’s Catholic Church initially and then St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church where they sang in the choir. John survived tuberculosis, prostate cancer, kidney cancer and two cardiac arrests. John tended to Nancy at home for seven of her 13 years with Alzheimer’s. He spent hours with her every day for the 6 years she was in care.

John was a staunch Republican and very much enjoyed engaging in political debates. He also spent much of his retirement years reading everything he could about the history of the Catholic Church. His faith and involvement in the Church were an anchor for his life. John loved baking his own bread – always attempting to replicate the bread his mother made and he loved. He loved a good Old Fashioned and cooking for himself. He also loved a good, cooked breakfast – never complete without fried potatoes. John loved living in Two Rivers and very much enjoyed learning about and sharing his family genealogy. Mention Dan and the McDonald’s group? He marvelled us all in his ability to carry on living independently through 9 years of dialysis and the toll that it took on his body. May he rest in peace.

Survivors include his four daughters: Barb (Neil) MacDonald of Fox Point, WI, Mary Sue Grimm of Mequon, WI, Patricia Montney of Wauwatosa, WI, Pam (Angus) McFarlane of Auckland, New Zealand; three sisters: Delores Petska of Green Bay, WI, Judy Goldsmith of Fond du Lac, WI, and Carol (Danny) Wergin of Two Rivers, WI; nine grandchildren: Megan (Alfred) Garbe, Adam (Molly) Grimm, Erik (Andy) Grimm, Hannah Grimm, Kirsten (Travis) Redenz, Robbie McFarlane, Ben McFarlane, Cailey Montney and Caitlyn Montney; and five great-grandchildren: Will, Fritz, Wolf, Otto and Freya. He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Michael John Mowers; his wife, Nancy (LeClair) Becker; his second wife, Ardis (Romdenne); his son-in-law, Lonnie Montney; his brother, Wayne Becker; and one daughter, Cathy Mowers.

A memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church in Two Rivers. The family will greet relatives and friends at the church from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. with the mass beginning at 11:00 o'clock. A private burial service took place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Two Rivers next to his wife, Nancy.

Military graveside honors will be held at the church immediately following the funeral mass on July 21st by members of American Legion Post #165 and VFW Post #1248 of Two Rivers.

Online condolence messages may be shared at DejaMartin.com.

Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels of Two Rivers is assisting the Becker family with funeral arrangements.