Laverne G. "Bud" Becker

Laverne "Bud" Becker, age 90 of rural Hastings, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Friday afternoon, September 7, 2018. Laverne, the son of Nicholas and Justine (Brochman) Becker, was born on October 18, 1927, at the family farm. Following his education from Hastings High School, Bud was in the United States Army and served in Korea during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge as a decorated Vet, Bud was united in marriage to Dorothy Leifeld on June 20, 1953, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Vermillion; they recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in June. Bud was a farmer and longtime truck driver for Hastings Ready Mix. While driving cement truck, Bud would often times get requested for delivering to many constructions sites throughout Hastings. Bud was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 47 and the Hastings VFW Lyle Russell Post 1210 and a past Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus 1600, all in Hastings. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Clarence Becker and Marjorie Kieffer; son, Larry Becker; and by his daughter-in-law, Mary Becker. Bud is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy; children, Ron Becker, Shirley Becker, Ed Becker, Nick Becker, Kathy (Robert) Furlong and Joe (Sue) Becker; fourteen grandchildren and many great grandchildren; and by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 13, 2018, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father David Hennen officiating. Interment with Military Honors provided by the VFW Lyle Russell Post 1210 will follow at the parish cemetery. Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 12, 2018, at Caturia, Smidt Starkson Funeral Home Crematory of Hastings, and also for one hour prior to Mass at church on Thursday morning. Buds family would like to extend a special thank you to Father Martin Siebenaler, Pat Niedzielski, and Dr. Leslie Atwood for the love and care they provided to Bud over the years. Arrangements are being completed by Caturia, Smidt Starkson Funeral Home Crematory of Hastings.