Frank J. Becker

Frank J. Becker 93, formerly of Provo, UT went to be with the Lord and Elma, his beloved wife of 67 years on April 7 in Henderson, NV. He was born to Frank T and Louise Becker in Two Rivers, WI on May 1, 1917. He is survived by his four children Rita Krutz of Henderson, NV, Tom Diane of Biloxi, MS, Frank of Paso Robles, CA and Mike Sue of Renton, WA, 14 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 1 greatgreat grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews and his 92 year old baby sister.

How do you summarize the 93 wonderful years he shared with everyone he came in contact with

Frank was a father, scoutmaster, coach, mentor, guidance counselor, friend and companion. He kissed the cook before every meal. He welcomed newcomers to the church on Sunday. He was an avid skier, bowler, square dancer and world traveler.

Frank spent eight years at St. Lawrence Seminary Prep School in Wisconsin studying for the priesthood but after discovering girls he transferred to Marquette University for his final two years of college where he earned a degree in journalism.

He married Elma Kivisto of Ironwood, Michigan on May 1, 1939, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1948 the family moved to Provo, UT where Frank worked for US Steel for 31 years, retiring in 1979.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for more than 60 years serving as Escalante Council Grand Knight and holding every other position in the council. He was State Deputy for Utah as well as many other positions at the state level. He was the Fourth Degree Master. He continued to be active in Nevada when he moved there. He was the historian for the Knights. He compiled and published the history of the Knights of Columbus in Utah and chronicled the contributions of the Catholic missionaries to the culture of early Utah through their travels and settlements in Utah.

He was the scoutmaster for the St. Francis Church sponsored Troop 702. After more than 25 years with the scouts he was honored with the Order of The Arrow and The Silver Beaver.

In the early 1950s St. Francis Parish began planning and then building a Catholic School in Provo. Frank was involved in the planning and, with other parishioners, the handson brick laying and cement pouring for the school which opened in September 1955 with students from K through 8. The school was expanded annually until, in 1960 the first senior class graduated. He coached the basketball team in the early 1960s.

In 1988 Frank and Elma retired to the Henderson area to enjoy the climate and live closer to their daughter.

In 2009 Frank received the Presidents Volunteer Service Award from President Bush for his Commitment to strengthening our Nation through volunteer service because of his many years of service with the Knights of Columbus.

A rosary held will be at St Peters Church on April 18 at 6:00PM. A memorial service will be held April 19, 2011 at 10:00AM at St Peters Church. Interment will be private at Palm Mortuary Henderson.
St Peters Church is located at 204 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV.

In lieu of flowers contributions to your local Catholic Relief Services or the American Cancer Society or your favorite charity are encouraged.