Harvey Becker

Harvey F. Becker, age 92, formerly of Maribel, passed away peacefully at home at Island Shores in Neenah on Sunday, May 27, 2012. Now, he is holding hands with Jesus in Heaven. Harvey was born at home on December 9, 1919 in the township of Cooperstown, WI, son of the late Phillip and Amanda (Gauger) Becker. He lived most of his life in Maribel, WI where he was a lifetime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. He was baptized and confirmed by the late Rev. Paul Kionka. Harvey was a graduate of Denmark High School in 1938. He was married to Verna Rosenbaum on May 18, 1946 at Zion Lutheran Church in Morrison, WI by the late Rev. Erwin Froehlich. The couple recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. The Lord blessed them with two daughters, Ellen and Doris. Harvey served his Savior on the St. John’s Lutheran Church Council for 24 years, serving as church treasurer for 6 of those years. He was also an active charter member of the Maribel Lions Club for 21 years. When the village of Maribel incorporated in 1963 Harvey served as their first village president and he was a village trustee for 27 years. Harvey worked as manager of Maribel Grain Company for 11 years until 1956. He then worked selling life insurance for 25 years as a district representative for Aid Association for Lutherans, retiring in 1981. He was an active member of the Manitowoc County Life Underwriters Association from 1960 – 1982. Harvey is survived by his wife Verna; children: Ellen (Jeff) Rendall, Waukesha and Doris (Randy) Pelischek, Menasha; grandchildren: Laura (Michael) Gutho, Campbellsport; Amanda Pelischek, Appleton; Garret Pelischek, Neenah; Clark Rendall, Brooklyn, New York; and great grandchild: Lee Gutho. He is further survived by one sister-in law Ferne Gutheridge and many nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to his parents, Harvey was preceded in death by his sisters: Delores (Elroy) Lemke and Mildred (Roland) Zirbel; brothers-in-law: Marvin Rosenbaum and Earl (Lenora) Rosenbaum; and sister-in-law: Ruth (Carl) Zirbel. Visitation will be held the day of the funeral, Saturday, June 2, 2012, from 9:00 – 11:00 AM at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Maribel. The funeral service will be at 11:00 AM with Christian burial to follow in the church cemetery. Pastor Robert Balza of Eternal Love Lutheran Church, Appleton will be officiating. Memorials may be given to the St. John’s Lutheran Church building fund, Eternal Love Lutheran Church building fund, or the Community Hospice Foundation. Cotter Funeral Home, Denmark, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the entire staff of Island Shores in Neenah and to the Theda Care Hospice staff for their kind and compassionate care!