Robert "Bob" Becker

Bob Becker was a family man through and through. When reflecting on his life, words such as hard-working, resilient, and independent come to mind, yet the word that is most fitting to describe him would be selfless. Bob had a generous heart and loved to share his resources with the growing family he loved and adored. He leaves behind a wonderful collection of fond memories shared over the years for his many close friends and family to treasure.

Not much could be said about the 1940s without some reference to WWII. In fact, June 6th of 1944 was the war’s most notorious day, D-Day, which occurred on the beaches of Normandy, marking the end of the war in Europe. Just months later, Robert was born to loving parents on December 26, 1944, in Madison, Wisconsin. The youngest of two boys, his birth brought much joy to the family home.

Bob lived a typical childhood of the times. After second grade, he and his family moved to Union Grove. His love for sports started at a young age playing baseball, basketball, football, hunting, and fishing; his favorite being baseball. While attending Union Grove High School, Bob met his lovely wife, Delores. Smitten from the very start, they joined in marriage two years after graduation. Driven and determined to make his way in the world, Bob attended Racine Technical Institute and graduated in Mechanical Engineering. His first position was a draftsman, then advanced working for different companies. In 1983, he started his own business of design engineering, then in 1987 he furthered his business by building work holding parts. He also played semi-pro baseball in the Land O’ Lakes League. When he no longer played sports, he officiated high school games. Passionate about sports throughout his life, Bob was a longtime member of the Wisconsin Umpire Association.

Not to be forgotten however, was the raising of their wonderful daughter, Terri. Bob loved to dote on her. Active as a father, he treasured their close bond as well as driving her to his sports games and refreshments afterwards. There simply wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for her. When he was blessed with grandchildren, it changed Bob’s life forever. He loved to spend time with each and every one of them. He and Dee loved to share their love of travel with the family, often taking trips to many population destinations throughout the United States including Orlando, Colorado Springs, San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Hawaii. They also toured many international countries with the family including Italy, Spain, and Ireland. When it came time to celebrate a special graduation or birthday, Bob often wanted to travel with the family. Any time they were together his heart was content. Bob also had a real knack for animals and in addition to his grandchildren, he also enjoyed tooling around town in his 1947 Bentley with his great-grand dog. Fond of his car and his pretty, furry companion, he especially loved getting a reaction from other drivers!

As much as Bob was a devoted Wisconsinite, a big Bucky Badger and Green Bay Packer fan, he conceded to living in Orlando for part of the year. This challenged his business, but he had a lot of cooperation to make it work. His sister-in-law, Judy, became his packing and shipping department. He often referred to her as “R B Machine North.” A trustworthy and hard worker, Bob felt his business was well taken care of in her hands. On May 1, 2002, Bob had surgery on a pseudoaneurysm on his right carotid artery which resulted in a stroke. His life changed dramatically. He had many physical challenges. Thankfully, he relied on his greatest asset, his sense of humor, to see him through these difficult times. He used his remarkable determination to his best advantage to heal and move forward.

Down-to-earth, humorous, and witty, Bob was always a pleasure to be around. A real people person, he loved conversing with others and adding laughter to their day. Everyone was made to feel comfortable in his presence. His many stories and exceptional comebacks will surely be a bright spot in the memories shared between loved ones in the years to come. May his special friends and family never doubt his love for them as we wanted nothing more than to share in their happiness.

Surrounded by his loving family, Robert “Bob” Becker, age 75, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2020 at his residence. Bob will be dearly missed by his loving wife of nearly fifty-five years, Dee; daughter, Terri (Carl) Kopplin of Middleton; grandchildren; Katrina (Jeffrey) Stanczyk, Quentin Kopplin, Courtney (Brandon Henry) Kopplin; newly added great-grandson, Kazimir Stanczyk; brother, Lawrence (Emilie) Becker Box Elder, SD; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Bob was also preceded in death by his nephews, Kenneth Becker and Allan Acker Jr, “JR.” Private family funeral services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Mary’s By the Lake Catholic Church, 7605 Lakeshore Dr, Racine, WI 53402 have been suggested. The family extends a special thank you to Jeff Oesau for his assistance and to Ascension All Saints for their superb and loving care.