Harold P. Becker, 89, Royal

Harold Peter Becker, 89, currently of Royal, escaped this world and was greeted in Heaven by his parents on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021. Funeral services will be delayed. Although Harold was never late for anything, some of his offspring are perpetually tardy.

Harold was born the sixth of 14 children to Mathew and Justine (Bormann) Becker. He lived most of his early years on the family farm east of Wesley. He graduated from Britt High School in 1950, having received an “A” in shop class. The life lessons he learned, both on the farm and in shop class, served him well throughout his life. He was constantly building things and using his hands. His proudest moment was when his father-in-law, Alphons Berte, told him “you’re just like me,” a comment he shared over and over again throughout the years.

He was a mechanic in the U.S. Army at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. prior to meeting his one true love. While dating, he wooed his love with his sweet skills on the dance floor at the Plantation Ballroom in Whittemore. He married Theresa (Berte) Becker on Jan. 21, 1959. They farmed on the Becker farm near Wesley during their early marriage before moving to northwest of Algona where they farmed for decades. He had mad cooking skills, grilling steaks and pork chops for his growing family. He loved hosting the family fish fries in his “vat of fat.” Feeding everyone was important to Harold, and Theresa was a great cook as well.

As if farming grain and livestock while raising seven near-angelic kids wasn’t enough, he became the top salesman in the area for Vigortone Feeds. This allowed him and Theresa to take some pretty spectacular vacations. He was also a salesman for Funks G Hybrid Seeds. His sincere, convincing qualities made him a person people wanted to buy from. He spent many a day feeding the variety of livestock they raised (cows, pigs and chickens), performing custom work for others and farming their own ground. Theresa was his help and soulmate in everything they did.

He leaves behind a whole mess of family. He taught that Christ was King and family was everything.

His kids/grands/greats loved spending time with him and with each other! He valued education, sending all seven children to college to fine-tune their strong sense of values and inherent leadership skills.

After retiring from the farm, Harold and Theresa moved to south Texas for nearly a quarter of a century. He became an avid pool player and when he could make time for it, he fished in the Gulf of Mexico. Harold and Theresa started their married life on South Padre Island for their honeymoon and treasured their retirement years in the same spot. He was a strong supporter of Theresa as they volunteered in service to others. Harold was a Knights of Columbus Grand Knight and Theresa was a Catholic Daughters of America Grand Regent.

More recently, the Beckers moved from Texas to be with family, Florida in the winter, Iowa in the summer. This allowed them to see family every day! He loved his days working John’s farm in Florida and Sara’s garden in Iowa. He loved to support the family quilting projects, played cribbage and cards whenever two or more were present, and assured their lawns were mowed and the trees were trimmed.

He is survived by his loving wife, Theresa (Berte) Becker; and seven children: Janet (Ed) Barkley, of Sioux City; Dar (Walt) Elbert, of Emmetsburg; Marlys Withrow-Hill, of Pueblo, Colo.; Amy Beckel, of Sioux City; Doris (Brian) Elbert, of Freeport, Fla.; John (Lisa) Becker, of Ponce de Leon, Fla.; and Sara (Matt) Ricke, of Royal. With the passel of kids, it’s no wonder he and Theresa also enjoyed their 23 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. There was certainly never a dull moment in the Becker household! In addition, he is survived by six sisters and two brothers, as well as many sisters and brothers by marriage.