Becker, John J. (1870-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Nov 29 p. 8

Birth date: 1870 Aug 25

text of obituary:

JOHN J. BECKER

John J. Becker, son of Johann and Aganetha Nickel Becker, was born on Aug. 25, 1870, in the village of Pastwa, South Russia.

He migrated to this county in 1878 with his parent at the age of eight years and they settled on a farm eight miles southeast of Mountain Lake, Minn. Here he spent the years of his youth. As the oldest son in a family of 13 children, he endured many hardships which were a part of pioneer life. His father served as a school teacher and later was also elected to the ministry. It was his desire that his children should be a Godly example in the community.

The deceased was baptized upon the confession of faith in Jesus Christ as his Saviour by Elder Aaron Wall, and became a member of the E. M. B. church. In October 1922 he became a member of the Bethel Mennonite Church and remained a faithful member until his departure.

He was married to Anna Schroeder on June 19, 1906. This union was blessed with nine children. On June 17, 1956, the family was privileged to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary. All the children were present.

At the age of 18 he began to serve as a teacher. Recognizing the need of further education, he enrolled in Bethel College, Newton, Kans. and graduated in 1899. Fourteen years were spent in the teaching profession. For two years he taught a parochial school in one of the farm homes. For several years he taught in a district school. Two years were spent teaching in the Brudertal Gemeinde Schule and eight years in the Vorbeireitungs Schule with Rev. Jacob J. Balzer.

After these years of teaching, he entered the field of business with his brother-in-law, D. R. Schroeder, as an implement dealer. After several years the family moved to a farm and he continued farming until 1950 when he returned to live in Mountain Lake. In recent years he spent part of his time in the sale of seed corn.

He was active in community affairs during his lifetime. He was associated with others in the organization of a shipping association and also the Co-op Oil Company. He served as secretary of both the district school board and the town board. For ten years he served as the secretary of the Canadian-U. S. Mennonite Insurance Company. He enjoyed serving his fellow man. He was of an optimistic spirit, in full confidence of the leading and provision of the Lord.

He was active in the work of the church, especially as a Sunday school teacher, serving in this capacity for over 50 years. He taught one class for some 30 years, until this past February when he found it necessary to withdraw from the work because of his health. He was also a member of the board of deacons for several years.

He was in comparatively good health until the spring of 1956. On July 28 he suffered a stroke and passed away on Oct. 28, attaining an age of 86 years, two months and one day. He leaves to mourn his departure his bereaved wife, six sons, three daughters, 13 grandchildren, five brothers, two sisters, five daughters-in-law, two sons-in-law, three brothers-in-law, friends and relatives.

Funeral services were held on Oct. 29, 1956, at the Bethel Hennonite [sic Mennonite] Church. Rev. Walter Gering officiated. — Mrs. John J. Becker and Family.