Becker, Dietrich (1898-1999)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1999 May 27 p. 13

Birth date: 1898 Jan 10

Text of obituary:

DIETRICH BECKER

Dietrich Becker was born Jan. 10, 1898, to Jacob and Mary Becker one of 12 children, in Moundridge, Kan. He outlived all the others. He died April 30, 1999, in Glencroft Retirement Center, Glendale, Ariz., at the age of 101.

His early years were spent on the family farm near Ringwood, Okla. Later, he was one of the first three graduates of Oklahoma Bible Academy in Meno.

In his 20s he returned to school to finish high school at Bethel Academy in North Newton, Kan., and in 1927 received his college degree. After teaching eight years in the rural high school at Webster, Kan., and earning his master's degree during the summers at Kansas State University, he entered the School of Optometry at Berkley, Calif. At age 39 he received his O. D. degree. He practiced optometry in Wellington, Kan., until the age of 75.

Dietrich made his confession of faith in his 20s. His church was important to him. He served in many ways, especially in youth work and financial matters. he was a member of the Lions Club and was active in community service.

In 1973 he and his wife, Gladyne (Baumgartner) moved to Arizona, where he contracted cocci-meninigitis. Against all odds, he survived and celebrated with a large family reunion on his 100th birthday.

He is survived by his wife, Gladyne, two daughters, Lee and her husband James Sanner of Topeka, Kan., and Velma and her husband Neil Frank of Houston; 11 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.