Margaret "Maggie" Becker

Maggie Becker peacefully passed away on December 8, 2025, in the same way she had spent her 75 years - on her own terms and surrounded by many family members who loved her deeply.

Born on May 11, 1950, in Atlantic, Iowa, she had a generous heart, was the first to tell you exactly what was on her mind, and loved to have a good time. To know Maggie was to love Maggie.

In her younger years, she was always on the move - pitching a softball, running track, or riding horseback with the same free spirit and confidence she was known for throughout her life. Maggie became a widow at 36 when her husband David Teel died of cancer in 1986. She flew solo for a few years before she fell in love with Jim Becker, whom she wed in an intimate ceremony on September 16, 1989. Jim and Maggie Becker recently celebrated 36 years of marriage. Maggie worked at Quaker Oats for 38 years before retiring in 2012 where she was known as a hard worker and dear friend to many.

She enjoyed life's simple pleasures, especially when she could share them with others. Her Christmas celebrations were unforgettable for their warmth and magic. Just like her father before her, she always had a blue Christmas tree shining in the window. She loved a good ugly holiday sweater, a gag gift, or a vulgar joke that could send anyone's jaw to the floor, even hers. She was often outside planting in her garden, spending time with her flowers, camping and enjoying a bonfire, or on a side-by-side ride through the timber. She was always ready for a trip to the casino, no matter how lucky she was feeling.

Maggie was an anchor in her family, and she often put everyone else first. She was the keeper of all birthday and anniversary dates, and you could always expect a call, card, or message wishing you love and well-being. Maggie was also the least likely to keep a secret, even though she was "getting better at it." Her sass was the start of many family stories that always ended in a good laugh. She loved her pets, Gidget, Brandi, and Dinky wholeheartedly, and often spoiled them with the same affection as the humans in her life.

Together, Jim and Maggie Becker built a beautiful life and family. She will be deeply missed by the many members of her family, including her loving husband Jim; her children: Toni (Dave) Hogan, Terri Hunter, Shawn (Nicole) Becker, Shane Becker, David (Amy) Becker, and Julie (Lance) West; her grandchildren: Josh (Kim) Hogan, Heather (Twan) Robinson, Kasie Mesch, Kallissa Bailey-Northrup (Fritz Musser), Nicole Hogan, Samantha Northrup (Josh Harbaugh), Katrina Hogan (Seth Werley), Caiden Becker, Gracin Becker, Colton Becker, Tyler West, Charlotte Becker, and Ryan West; and her great grandchildren: Isiah Harrington, Jeremiah Harrington, Ethan Hogan, Janey Hogan, Kamdyn Bates, Tayton Bates, Amiyah Robinson, OnnaLyn Bates, Braylea Harbaugh, Blaire Harbaugh, and Vayleigh Henry.

Maggie also deeply cherished her relationships with her siblings: Gary Gaylord, Kathy (JD) Kuster, Chuck Gaylord, Bill Gaylord, and Jim (Pam) Gaylord; and her nieces and nephews: Michelle (Brian) Reimers, Robyn (Nate) Van Zee, Faith Kuster (Cindy Becker), Chelsea (Jake) Eichengreen, Paul (Melissa) Gaylord, Jody (Chad) Gaylord-Hein, and Tommy Gaylord.

Maggie is reunited in spirit with her parents, Phyllis and William Gaylord, sister, Linda, and many dear friends and family members who have gone before her.

One of the many things Maggie knew how to do was make life unforgettable. In honor of her big heart, boldness, and laughter, her family asks that you remember her with a raised glass and a story that starts with, "Do you remember the time she…?"

Cheers to you, Maggie. We hope heaven is filled with winning slot machines and plenty of cold Old Mil Light. We love you more.

Per Maggie's request, there will be no formal services. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in support of the Center Point and Alburnett emergency medical response teams who work tirelessly to care for the community. You can direct donations to the Center Point Regional Ambulance (521 Franklin Street, Center Point, IA 52213) or the Alburnett Fire Department (405 Roosevelt Street, PO Box 328, Alburnett, IA 52202).