JOSEPH C. BECKER SR.

 Joseph’s life began March 22, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois. Joe lived there until he was nine when his father took a job in Michigan in part to get his kids out of the city. Joe started school in Millburg that fall where he met his future bride Roberta. After high school they got married and started a family. Together they had seven children, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

 Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, snowmobiling, riding motorcycles and working on computers. He enjoyed a good Friday night at Hartford Speedway, sometimes working in the pits. Joe was active in his local Catholic Church doing everything from making donuts, to teaching catechism classes, and being an usher during service.

 Joe had a great sense of humor, he was a wonderful storyteller and made everyone feel accepted and at ease.

 His favorite pastime was enjoying his large family especially taking his grandchildren on golf cart and four wheeler rides.

 Joe will be missed by his loving family; those he leaves behind to cherish his memory include: his wife of 66 years Roberta (Hathaway) Becker; six children Joseph (Theresa) Becker Jr., Therese Steinke, Thomas (Ashley) Becker, Robert (Rene) Becker, Janet (Timothy) White, and Christine (Jonathan) Schlabaugh; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; a brother Edward Becker, and numerous nieces and nephews.

 He is preceded in death by a daughter Karen Ann Becker, son-in-law Andrew Steinke Sr., his parents Bernard and Mildred (Kelspa) Becker, and four siblings Mary Ann Cowgill, Robert Becker, Bernard Becker, and William Becker.

 Joseph died Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, at Beacon Dowagiac Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

 Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet is assisting Joseph’s family with cremation and his life will be celebrated at a later date. Memorials may be made in Joseph’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for Joseph’s family at hutchinsfuneral.com.