Rudolf B. Becker III

Rudolf B. Becker III died April 30, 2023 at his home in Bloomfield Hills. He was 73 years old. Rudy was born July 17, 1949 in Detroit to Lucille (nee McClung) and Otto Becker. He attended Detroit Country Day School and graduated in 1967. While there he played tackle on his high school varsity football team as co-captain, as well as varsity hockey as a defenseman. He also played baseball and ran track at Detroit Country Day.
Rudy received his Bachelor's of Science degree at the University of Hartford in Connecticut. While there he met and fell in love with Carolyn Martin, who would later become his wife. He attended the University of Nebraska where he received a Master's degree in zoology and became a lifelong Nebraska Corn Huskers fan before deciding to study law at Tulane University School of Law in New Orleans, LA. Rudy graduated at the top of his class from Tulane University School of Law with his JD.
In 1977, Rudy returned home to Detroit to help run the family business. He was President and CEO of Becker Orthopedic Appliance Company from 1980 – 2023 and founded Becker Metal Works in 1986. Rudy was the President of the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association from 1994-1995 and a proud recipient of the 2011 American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association Lifetime Achievement Award.
Some of Rudy's interests included fly fishing, sports cars – 1968 Jaguar E-Type, Dogs – German Shepherds (Rutan I, Rutan 2, Rutan 3), fine dining, and Cuban cigars and wine. He also loved music – mainly rock n' roll (The Byrds, Cream, Rolling Stones, Elton John). His greatest joy, however, came from spending time with his family. A devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Rudy was deeply loved and will be sorely missed.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carolyn M. Becker, his oldest son Rudy, Jr. (Sophie), his daughter Kristin (Nick) and son Tom (Jamie). He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Mia, Sofie, Nick Jr, Milo and Lucy and brother, Otto K. Becker (Diane).
Friends may visit at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 1800 W. Maple, Birmingham, Friday, May 5th, 3-7pm. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, May 6th at 11am. Burial will be in White Chapel Cemetery, Troy.
The service will be livestreamed and can be accessed through the link https://vimeo.com/redeemerbirmingham
Memorials appreciated to the Glioblastoma Foundation, 2451 Croasdaile Farm Pkwy Suite 109, Durham, North Carolina 27705, or Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 1800 W. Maple Road, Birmingham, Michigan 48009.