Donald Edward Becker

He was born August 30, 1932, in La Crosse, to Edward and Rose (Tiffany) Becker, and was a graduate of Aquinas High School. He married the love of his life, Barbara De Florian, on August 3, 1957, in Genoa, Wis. They shared 54 wonderful years together.

Don was a proud American Veteran of the U.S. Navy, who served in the Korean War and retired as a Chief in the Naval Reserves after 42 years of service. He was a life member of Roy L. Vingers American Legion Post 52 and a past member of Thomas Rooney V.F.W. Post 1530, both of La Crosse. Don served as a firefighter in La Crosse for 33 years, retiring in 1990 as a Captain.

Family was important to Don, and he enjoyed sharing time together every chance he got, including all birthdays, holidays, and every Packer Sunday. He also enjoyed getting a friendly poker game going at family parties every chance he got. He had many hobbies such as hunting, taking fishing trips to Canada with his family, traveling with his wife, family and friends, reading, and boating on the family pontoon. Don will be remembered for his sense of humor and his loving heart. He will be missed dearly by his large family, and many friends.

Don is survived by his wife, Barbara (De Florian) Becker; his children, James (Lori) Becker, Barbara (Ronald) Mysliwiec, Edward (Teresa) Becker, and Lisa (Dave) Goodwin; eleven grandchildren, Eric Mysliwiec, Jena (Nick) Tollefson, Tony Becker, Alex Becker, Molly Becker, Matt Becker, Zach Goodwin, Max Goodwin, Kali Goodwin, Nikki Goodwin, and Ben Goodwin; one great grandchild, Aiden Tollefson; his brother, Joseph ( Carol) Becker, and sister, Marilyn Snow. Don was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Dave, Paul and Dan; two half-brothers, Merril and Lyle; and five brothers-in-law, Dick Mooney, Doc De Florian, Ray De Florian, Ed De Florian, and LeVern Engh.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 25th, at 10:30 A.M., at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1333 South 13th St., La Crosse. Father Rick Roberts will officiate. Burial, with military honors, will follow in the Catholic Cemetery on Losey Blvd. Friends and family may call on Sunday, from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m., at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, 200 West Ave. So., La Crosse, with a prayer service at 5:30 p.m., and on Monday from 9:30 A.M. until the time of the service at the church.