Thomas “Tom” E. Becker
Thomas “Tom” E. Becker, 90, of Rogers City, passed away March 25, 2020 at his winter home in Green Valley, Arizona.
He was born in Detroit September 6, 1929.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 36 years,
Mary (Burkart–Murdock) Becker; children, Cheryl (James) Howard, Christine (Michael) D’Hooghe, William (Roxana) Becker, Kathy (Donald) Larson and Karen (Kenneth) Larsen; and
stepchildren, Tracy (Kent) Jefferson, Richard Murdock, Thomas Murdock and Tammy (James) Samek. Thomas was blessed with
15 grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren plus four great-grandchildren to arrive in 2020.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Margaret Becker; brothers, Robert, Daniel and Richard; his first wife who was his high school sweetheart and mother of his children, Barbara (Matthews) Becker; and a son, Chris Becker.
Thomas spent his entire career in retail. He first worked for Federated Department Stores, then held many positions with Montgomery Ward Stores. He worked in the corporate offices as a national buyer, followed by management of Montgomery Ward stores in Plymouth and Ann Arbor, and Peru, Illinois. With his retail experience, he successfully owned and operated the Ben Franklin store for 16 years in Rogers City. He was loved and respected by all of his family, friends and employees and most thought of as a reserved, soft-spoken, distinguished gentleman. He was very active in his community, serving as president of the Downtown Development Authority during the downtown beautification project, served on the chamber of commerce board of directors, and was a member of the Harbor Advisory Commission for several years. He was a good golfer, scored a hole-in-one, enjoyed traveling and playing blackjack occasionally and having family come to visit.
After retirement, he chose to be in his favorite place, his home and flower gardens and the
Friends may visit at the Beck Funeral Home Sunday, July 12, from 4-8 p.m. where the parish wake service will take place at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at St. Ignatius Catholic Church on Monday, July 13, from 9 a.m. until time of his memorial Mass at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Rolando Silva officiating. Burial will take place at White Chapel Cemetery in Troy, Michigan.
Memorials may be given to St. Ignatius Catholic School’s Angel Fund or towards a memorial bench to be placed on Rogers City trail system in memory of Tom Becker.
Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.org.
