Bio: Becker, Wilbur
Contact: Lani Bartelt
Email: prolixiam@sbcglobal.net

 ----Sources: Family Records

The Wilbur Becker Family Bio

Wilbur John Becker was b 14 Feb 1915 in Menomonee, Wis. to Edmund & Emma Becker. They moved to St Martens and then to Colby, Wis. when Wilbur was age five. Wilbur attended St Mary’s Catholic School and Colby, Wis. High School and graduated in 1933.

He married Margaret Schumacher on 28 Sep 1940 at St Louis Catholic Church in Dorchester, Wis. She died 27 Jan 1998.

Wilbur and Margaret farmed with Wilbur’s parents and in 1941 they bought 120 acres. In 1945 Edmund and Emma Becker retired and Wilbur and Margaret ran Hullmarco Guernsey Farm. In 1954 they purchased another 80 acres. They retired in 1976 and moved to Colby, Wis.

Wilbur was very active serving his community. He served on several boards and committees. In 1944 he was named President of Hull Co-op Cheese Factory and remained there until 1969. He also served as President of Harmony Co-op for fifteen years as well as on the Board of Directors. He served on on the Boards of Equity Co-op Livestock, Marathon County DHIA, and the Wisconsin Cheese Producers. He was a member of the Colby Lions Club and served as Alderman of Colby’s Third Ward from 1977 to 1995.He retired from the Council at age 80.He served as Chief Ranger in the Catholic Order of Foresters for 40 joining that organization at age 18.He also held the office of Treasurer for the District Order of Foresters. He served on St Mary’s Cemetery Board. In 1984 he was named Colby’s Citizen of the Year for his commitment to civil and social betterment in and around Colby, Wis.

Wilbur’s favorite pastime during his retirement years was visiting nursing homes and shut-ins. In his obituary it was said "His ready smile, quick wit, and warm Heart will be missed by many."

Children listed in his obituary were: David (Betty) Becker of Mount Horeb, Wis.; John(Sue) Becker of Pittsville, Wis., and Peggy (Dan) Lister of Hibbing, Minn.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; two daughters, Dotti Tuttle and Mary Krueger; his brother, Donald; and sisters Margaret and Lucille.

The following Beckers are buried at St Mary’s Cemetery, Colby, Clark Co, Wis.:

Donald C Becker b 13 Jan 1926 d 28 Oct 1956 WWII –WI Cpl US Marine Corp RES

Edmund A Becker b 15 June 1887 d 4 May 1972 wife Emma

Emma M Becker b 22 Dec 1887 d 27 May 1967 husband Edmund A

Infant daughter Becker b 1957 d 1957 dau of Wilbur & Margaret

Infant son Becker b 1948? D 1 Sep 1948 son of D & L Becker

Margaret Becker b 4 Oct 1917 d 28 Sep 1940 husband Wilbur parents Schumacher

Wilbur Becker b 14 Feb 1915 d Mar 2004 wife Margaret parents Edmund & Emma Becker