Joseph Duffner Becker

1928 - 2025

Joseph Duffner Becker

June 27, 1928 - July 25, 2025

Joseph Duffner Becker passed away on July 25, 2025, in La Crosse, Wis., at the age of 97.

Born June 27, 1928, Joe was the only child of Joseph D. Becker and Janice (Cowie) Becker. After the death of his father when Joe was only three months old, he was raised by his mother and maternal grandparents, Judge Robert and Kathryn Cowie, in La Crosse. He shared a close bond with his grandfather.

Joe attended Catholic grade school and Aquinas High School, where he met Ruth McGaughey. They married in 1949 at the log chapel on the campus of Notre Dame while Joe was an undergraduate. After finishing there, he attended the University of Wisconsin Law School, graduating in 1954. The couple returned to La Crosse, where Joe began a legal career spanning over four decades.

Over the years, Joe practiced law at several firms including Hale Skemp Hanson Skemp, and Sauer, Becker, Flanagan & Lynch. He also engaged in real estate development. He appreciated the relationships he had with people in the legal community over the years.

Joe was heavily involved in activities bettering the community over the years. He was part of the group which organized Oktoberfest and was its corporate organizer and served on its board in the early years. He led an annual fundraising drive for Community Chest, which became the United Way. He was involved in Catholic Charities. He helped bring together Lutheran and Catholic leadership to set up Bethany St. Joseph Corporation in the 1970s. He served as president of the La Crosse County Bar Association and on the Wisconsin Bar Association Board of Governors in the 1980s. He was a founding member of the City of La Crosse Housing Authority and served on its board for 29 years, half as its chair, and helped oversee the construction of over 1000 housing units in La Crosse. Becker Plaza was later named in his honor.

He and Ruth raised eight children and enjoyed traveling extensively. Joe had a passion for orchids, jazz, bridge, photography, and reading. Beginning in the 1970s he made a number of lifestyle changes which enabled him to live healthily for what turned out to be the second half of his life. He was grateful to be able to help care for Ruth late in her life. He was a proud member of the recovery community.

Joe was preceded in death by Ruth; and daughters, Kathryn (Russell) Norman, Mary (Jerry) Passe, and Barb (Bud) Hammes. He is remembered by daughters, Jan Kimmet, Marti (Dick) Miller, Bridget (Reggie) Rabb; sons, Joe (Val) and John (Hannah); and perhaps 50 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A wake at 10 a.m. and funeral at 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon at 12 p.m., will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church in La Crosse on Saturday, November 22, 2025.