Harold Becker

HAROLD M. BECKER

Cedar Rapids

Harold M. Becker of Cedar Rapids died of a heart attack Saturday, May 28, 2016. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 2, at Temple Judah. Burial will follow at Eben Israel Cemetery.

Harold was born Feb. 6, 1922, in Muscatine, Iowa, the son of Orrie and Anne Becker. He graduated from Franklin High School in Cedar Rapids. He graduated from Northwestern University in 1942 with a bachelor's degree in commerce. Harold proudly served in the U.S. Navy and was promoted to lieutenant. He married Arlene Gabert after returning from active duty during World War II.

Harold is survived by his wife, Dianne Becker; daughters, Deborah (Larry) Josephson of Omaha and Sherri (Bill Coleman) Becker of Kansas City; his son, Robert (Diane Handler) Becker of Cedar Rapids; grandson, Alan (Kari) Josephson of Denver; and granddaughters, Melissa (Bill Sloan) Josephson of New York City and Maya (Itay Ricon) Becker of Tel Aviv.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene; his daughter, Lauren L. Becker; and his sister, Betty Leibsohn.

Harold started working at a young age in his parents' stores, Peoples Grocery, the first of which was located on Third Avenue only two blocks from Guaranty Bank & Trust, that coincidently years later he would purchase controlling interest in 1969. He faithfully served as chairman of the bank for 47 years and came into the office every day to work or tell a funny story. He loved his family and he took great pride in his entrepreneurialism. He was a private pilot for many years and enjoyed frequent flights in his twin-engine plane. Harold was a promoter of this community and served on numerous community boards including the Cedar Rapids Downtown Association, Orchestra Iowa, Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, Temple Judah and many more.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial fund in care of Guaranty Bank & Trust.

Online condolences may be made at www.cedarmemorial.com.