Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Kenneth Becker Obituary
Kenneth O. Becker, 74, Bismarck, died April 26, 2007, in a Phoenix hospital. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 7, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, at the corner of Washington and Divide, Bismarck.
Ken was born to Otto and Gladys Becker, at New Salem, Nov. 15, 1932. Ken was a standout athlete at New Salem High School, where he established several school records, some which still stand today. He continued his athletic endeavors at Jamestown College, where he participated in football, basketball, track and baseball. He was inducted into the Jamestown College Hall of Fame. Ken married Luella May Wanstrom, of Almont, June 16, 1954.
Ken followed his love of sports after college, becoming a coach and teacher. He started his career in Wilton, where he coached for one year. In 1955, he moved to Underwood, where he taught, coached teams to several conference championships and was high school principal for 10 years. He coached one year in Harvey before taking a position at Minot State College, in 1967, where he remained until 1984. During his tenure in Minot, in addition to teaching, he coached football, basketball, baseball and golf. As a head coach he accumulated 251 wins, secured 13 conference championships and two district championships. Ken was named coach of the year twice and also district coach of the year. He led his 1970 football team to a national quarter-finals playoff. He was inducted into the Minot State Hall of Fame, in 1998. From 1985 to 2007, he operated a private insurance agency in Bismarck and was an insurance adjuster.
One of the highlights of Ken's life was in September 2006, when he was honored by his former athletes at MSU, with the establishment of the Ken Becker Athletic Scholarship. The scholarship has now grown to over $60,000 through their contributions.
Throughout his coaching and teaching career, he developed lifelong friendships with many of his students and athletes and kept in contact with them until his death. Sports remained a big part of his life, as he watched former athletes become successful coaches and even enjoyed watching their children participate. The success of these individuals in so many walks of life was of great satisfaction and pride to him.
Ken loved life and enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and hunting buddies. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and loved to visit. He was a loving husband, dad and grandpa to four grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, in Bismarck, and St. John's Lutheran Church, in Palm Desert, Calif.
He will be deeply missed by many friends; his loving wife, Luella; three daughters, Julie (Jim) Arbach, Washburn, Nancy (Doug) Johnson, Omaha, Neb., and Patti (Jeff) Court, Phoenix, Ariz.; his son, Whitey (Teresa) Becker, LaQuinta, Calif.; his grandchildren, Brandon and Kayla Arbach and Tanner and Jacob Court; and one sister, Fern (Ray) Albrecht, Bismarck.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Donald.
Please share you memories of Ken at http://kenneth-becker.memory-of.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Becker
Floyd and Lucy Schaeffer
May 3, 2007
Lu and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss, please remember you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers....
Stanley Sayler
May 3, 2007
Sorry to hear of your loss of your loved one. He did so much for me when I was in high school and he will always be one of those guys that will always be on top of my list of outstaning people. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom and Lorna Neary
May 2, 2007
So sorry for your loss. We have you in our thoughts and prayers.
Margie, Frank and Lauren Dingfelder
May 2, 2007
We want to send our sincere sympathy not only to our friends Whitey, Terry and Lou but to the whole Becker family. Terry is like part of our family so Whitey and his parents have become like extended family themselves. We totally have enjoyed our shared dinners together and feel lucky to have gotten to know such nice people. Frank and Kenny had so much fun talking sports whenever they got together. I remember Kenny's last words to us, "I'm so glad that we got together, we really enjoy your company." Well, Ken and Lou the feeling was mutual!!
How you can show support
frank witt
April 30, 2007
COACH IT IS WITH A HEAVY HEART THAT I HAVE TO SAY GOODBYE THIS WAY. WE SHARED SO MANY GREAT TIMES IN CALIFORNIA, THE SINCERE JOY OF KNOWING WHAT YOU STOOD FOR AND BROUGHT THAT TO YOUR CHILDREN, PRICELESS - LU, JUDY AND I LOVE YOU AND BE STRONG COACH WOULD HAVE LIKED IT THAT WAY LET'S HAVE SOME SCRUMPTIOUS CAKE PEACE TO YOU ND THE FAMILY WITTER
Bob Green
April 30, 2007
Our deepest sympathy to Kens family. Ken was certainly one of a kind in the coaching and adjusting fields. Knowing Ken was one of the highlights in both my athletic career and crop adjusting field. He was a friend and a great competitor. He will be missed by many athletes and farmers who's lives he had touched.
Ken Wolfe
April 30, 2007
I am sorry to hear of the passing of the best coach I ever had. While Ken was coaching/teaching in Underwood he taught me so much about life and being a winner. My prayers are with his family that they will find comfort in knowing that he was a good man.
Dan Leidholt
April 30, 2007
My condolences to the Becker family. May the memory of one of the nicest men and coach carry you through this sorrowful time. I will always cherish my memories watching him coach when I was growing up and having the opportunity to play baseball for him. I know my Dad considered him a close friend. I will have you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Keith and Gerry Burns
April 30, 2007
We are so sorry to hear of Ken's passing. He was so interested in our grandson, Eric, and his football efforts and we apprciated all the input to help Eric along. Lu, you were one of the best teachers EVER!! You and Ken were not only teachers, but friends.We truly send our deep sympathies to you and your family.
Denis Limke
April 30, 2007
A great friend of mine in the coaching profession and after his coaching career. He was very intense but very professional and I will miss my many laughs with him. My sincere thoughts are with his family.
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Kenneth Becker's name
Memorial Events
for Kenneth Becker
People and places connected with Kenneth
Bismarck, ND
The Bismarck Tribune
Recent Obituaries
How to support Kenneth's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Kenneth Becker's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
