Arlo Becker Jr.

ARLO BECKER Norway Arlo James Becker Jr., 79, died Monday, June 12, 2017, from injuries suffered in an accident on his farm near Shellsburg. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 17, at Ponderosa Ballroom in Walford (195 First St. S). Friends may visit from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday also at the Ponderosa Ballroom. Casual attire is encouraged. Arlo was born Aug. 18, 1937, in Watkins, the son of Arlo and Marie (Boddicker) Becker Sr. He graduated from Newhall High School with the Class of 1955. On Feb. 20, 1965, he was united in marriage to Judith Ann Bzoskie at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. He is survived by his children, Mike (Kathy) Becker of Atkins, Michelle (Eric) Calef of Cedar Rapids and Lisa (Michael) Porter and Robin (Rich) Pingeton, both of Columbia, Mo.; 19 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; four brothers, Harold Becker of Cedar Rapids, Wilford (Dorothy) Becker of Newhall, Bob Becker of Newhall and Ted (Rita) Becker of Center Point; his sister, Mary Lou Becker of Watkins; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Judith, in 2007; his grandson, Jason Calef; and his brother, Ralph Becker. Arlo Becker's legacy will not soon be forgotten. He was the extraordinary amongst the ordinary. He was known to some as tough, gruff and fierce and to others as giving, caring and loving. Often referred to as the "Ageless One," his passion for life and adventure never allowed him to slow down. Just out of high school, Arlo managed a crew selling magazines all across the country. He found his passion for racing early on, leading him to start a salvage yard business and a few years later, B & B Promotions came to be. Along with his wife, Judy, and their four children, they went to county and state fairs in several states promoting wheel events. Arlo kept the family busy. Becker Motor Sports was later born, and the passion for racing was stronger than ever. After 50 years, retirement allowed more time for racing, more fishing trips with brother Ted and a long list of friends who went along. From fishing Lake Erie and the mighty Mississippi to hunting bear in Montana and chasing coyote in Iowa, great adventures were checked off the list. Never slowing down, a little 125-acre hobby farm came along. Lots of work to do. Between working on his new hunting oasis, hanging out with friends, and following his daughter and grandchildren in the national spotlight in the world of basketball, Arlo kept busier than ever. It wasn't supposed to end. Goodbye, Dad. We all love you. Phillips Funeral Home in Blairstown is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.