Harold D Becker

HAROLD ROBERT DEAN BECKER February 17, 1929 - November 11, 2015 Harold Robert Dean Becker, age 86, a life-long Park Rapids, MN area resident, was promoted into eternity on November 11, 2015 at the Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga, MN with his family at his side. Harold was born on February 17, 1929 in Park Rapids to Harry and Jessie (Ackerman) Becker. He attended country school near his home and went on to high school in Park Rapids. He then attended the University of Minnesota - Northcentral School of Agriculture in Grand Rapids, MN, graduating with the Class of 1947. As a young man, Harold engaged in farming near Park Rapids. On June 28, 1953, he was united in marriage to Helmi Lehtinen at the Riverside United Methodist Church in Park Rapids. Their union was blessed with seven children: Tim, Troy, Terry, Tracy, Tod, Lori and Tom. As a young couple, Harold and Helmi would farm spring through fall and then travel west to California where they would work their winters in the production plants of the Douglass and North American Aircraft Companies. They engaged in farming southwest of Park Rapids for many years, where they raised crops, hogs and beef cattle. Harold was a visionary. He was one of the first area farmers to farm with irrigation and use progressive technology in the planting and harvesting of his crops. He enjoyed researching and employing the best equipment to make their farming operation as efficient and productive as possible. Harold retired from active farming in 1991 and moved to a home on Long Lake, built and designed by his son, Terry. Harold was a long time member of the Faith Baptist Church in Park Rapids and served as a member of the Straight River Town Board for over 25 years. He enjoyed traveling and traveled extensively though out the US, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Europe and Panama. For over 20 years, Harold and Helmi enjoyed wintering in Mesa, AZ. Harold devoted his life to his wife, children, and grandchildren who he loved with all his heart. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife for these past 62 years, Helmi; his daughter, Lori (Mark) Vatnsdal of Independence, MN; 6 sons: Tim Becker of Park Rapids, Troy (April) Becker of Menahga, MN, Terry (Grace) Becker of Hubbard, Tracy (Debbie) Becker of Park Rapids, Tod (Renee) Becker of Park Rapids, Tom (Laura) Becker of Nevis; 16 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Harold was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Viola Maaninga and two brothers: Orville and Alfred. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Saturday, November 14, 2015 at the Faithbridge Church in Park Rapids with the Rev. Marty Giese, Rev. Abe Cardosa and Rev. David Cripe officiating. Bill & Jan Lundsten will provide the special music and Jane Wolff will be the organist. The casket bearers will be Harold's six sons: Tim Becker, Troy Becker, Terry Becker, Tracy Becker, Tod Becker and Tom Becker. Interment will be made in the Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM Friday at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the service on Saturday. To leave on line condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com