Richard "Dickie" F. Becker

Richard "Dickie" Becker, age 64 of Hastings, died peacefully following a recent illness on Monday evening, March 5, 2018, at United Hospital in St. Paul. Richard Francis, the son of Peter J. and Philomena A. (Meier) Becker, was born on February 7, 1954, in Hastings. Dickie attended Hastings High School and graduated with the class of 1972. While in high school, he worked at Red Owl before beginning his forty three year career at Smead Mfg. in Hastings. On May 26, 1990, Dickie was united in marriage to Denise Courneya at St. Boniface Catholic Church. Dickie loved being outdoors, and especially loved to hunt and fish. Throughout his life, he enjoyed participating in Demo Derbys, racing with the rest of the Becker family, and working on lawn mowers and snow blowers. No matter what needed fixing, Dickie was often the first person family and friends would call to get the job taken care of. He will always be remembered for his gift of gab, and never missed the opportunity to participate in gatherings throughout the community. He was preceded in death by his parents; and by his siblings and their spouses, Jerry (Donna), Pete (Shirley), and Eugene (Pauline). Dickie is survived by his wife of nearly twenty-eight years, Denise; sisters, Mary (Ron) Novotny, and Martha Nygaard; his dogs, Buddy and Bella; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 8, 2018, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father David Hennen officiating. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Caturia, Smidt Starkson Funeral Home Crematory of Hastings, and will continue for one hour prior to Mass at church on Thursday morning. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred in memory of Dickie. Arrangements are being completed by Caturia, Smidt Starkson Funeral Home Crematory of Hastings.