Obituary

Edwin Becker, 79, died Sunday (March 15, 2005) at Via Christi-St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Wichita.

He was born May 2, 1925, to Julius and Justina (Kroeker) Becker in Goessel. They preceded him in death. He married Gena Linn Dec. 24, 1947. She survives of the home. He was a member of Trinity Heights United Methodist Church in Newton. He served his country during World War II in the U.S. Navy. He served in the South Pacific Theatre and Japan. He was proud and honored to serve his country. Edwin worked all his life as a Ford mechanic at Nordstrom Ford and Karst Lincoln Mercury. After retirement, Edwin opened his own shop, Becker Automotive. Edwin was an avid collector of antiques and coins and memorabilia for over 40 years. He planted a large garden every year and enjoyed sharing his fruits and vegetables with family and friends. He enjoyed teaching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren about gardening and birds in the backyard. He was an avid fan of the University of Kansas Jayhawks. He never missed a televised game of KU sports. He especially loved KU basketball. He also enjoyed attending Newton High School athletic events. One of the greatest joys of Edwin's life was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the garden. He looked forward to playing basketball with them, attending their games and taking them to Druber's Donut Shop.

Survivors include: two daughters, Carolyn Wellborn and husband Rich of Odessa, Texas, and Shelley Lujano and husband Dave of Newton; a brother, Levi Becker and wife Cathie of Newton; grandsons, Chris Peterson and wife Lisa of Arlington Heights, Ill., Andrew Peterson of Seattle, Joshua Pugh and wife Kendra of Newton, Lee Wellborn and wife Katie of Midland, Texas, Zac Lujano and wife Lindsey of Newton and Blake Lujano and Jessica Graber; granddaughters, Ashley Pugh of Newton and Amanda Brown and husband John of Kuwait City; great-grandsons, Riley Pugh, Hunter Lujano and Cole Lujano, all of Newton; great-granddaughters, McKenna Pugh and Alyssa Lujano, both of Newton; and two nephews, Vince Becker and Jason Becker, both of Newton. He also was preceded in death by: a son, Michael Edwin Becker; a daughter, Nancy Linn Becker; and two brothers, Waldo Becker and Glenn Becker.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday (March 18, 2005) at Petersen Funeral Home. Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church with Pastor Phil Fischer officiating. Family will greet friends following the service. Private burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Memorials have been established with Trinity Heights United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.