Mathew J. Becke

Mathew J. Becke Battle Creek Mathew Joseph Becke, age 92 of Battle Creek, owner of Becke's Equipment Rental, Inc, passed away Sunday, September 20, 2009 at his home. He was born August 31, 1917 in Chicago, Illinois and later moved to Battle Creek. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII from 1941 to 1946. Stationed in Ipswich, England with the 385th bomb group, he flew 19 bombardment missions over Germany as a waste gunner on a B17 Bomber. After the war Matt graduated from Argubright Business College in 1949. He was employed with G.O. Lewis Construction Company as an office manager. Later he became one of the first pioneers to open an equipment rental business in Battle Creek and remained active there until August of 2009. He sponsored both men's and women's slow-pitch softball teams for many years. His other interest included business trips to Las Vegas, spoiling his 2 grandkids, fattening up the family dogs and grilling his "special ham" recipe for family get-togethers. He is survived by his wife, Maxine; three sons: Alan (Carol) Becke, David and James Becke; daughter: Julie (Larry) Shanley; two grandchildren: Megan and Kelly Shanley; and family dogs: Buster and Molly. The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday where a Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with The Rev. Robert F Creagan officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Lifespan-Good Samaritan Hospice.