Becker, Donald J.

Donald J. Becker, 73, of Chandler, Ariz. and Watkins, Iowa, died Jan. 31, 2013, after a lingering illness. Services at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 8, St. Patrick's Church, Watkins with Father Craig Steimel as celebrant. Public visitation also will be held at the church from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday.

Don was born March 16, 1939, he graduated from Norway High School and married Shirley Ann Hoyt in 1960. He worked at FMC in Cedar Rapids until 1982, when the plant closed. He moved to Scottsdale, Ariz. and worked at Turf Paradise and then Quality Coatings Inc. upon retirement. He enjoyed going to the College Baseball World Series, visiting about old times, watching kids' ballgames and being a seasonal resident of both Arizona and Iowa.

He is survived by his former wife, Shirley (Hoyt) Becker and five children, Dean (Lynn) Becker, Cindy Arp (Charles) Kovach, Cathy Becker, Doug (Amy) Becker and Cris (Jay) Eenhuis.

He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, Daniel and David Becker, Ryan, Morgan and Nolan Arp, Brad, Cole, Danielle, Dustin and Savannah Kahle, Casey, Chelsea and Alison Becker and Elly and Cooper Eenhuis.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Viola Becker.

Phillips Funeral Home in Blairstown is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be left at .

Published in The Gazette Feb. 5, 2013.