Carl Nels Becker

PETERSBURG - Carl Nels Becker, 56, of Petersburg died April 13, 2006, at 9:02 p.m. at Memorial Hospital in Springfield.

He was born June 8, 1949, in Sheboygan, Wis., the son of Elmer Becker and Amy Nora Truesdale. He married Peggy Parks on July 31, 1971, in Black Creek, Wis.

Mr. Becker worked as the Director at the Conservation programs for the Illinois Chapter of the Nature Conservancy. He held several positions within the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. He was the first Executive Director of the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board, the first Chief of the Division of Natural Heritage and served as Assistant Office Director of Realty and Environmental Planning, before his retirement in December 2002. During his tenure with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources he spearheaded the effort to create the Wildlife Preservation Fund, an income tax check-off program that provides money for wildlife habitat. He also worked to pass legislation allocating a portion of the Real Estate Transfer Tax to protect natural areas and habitat for endangered and threatened species.

Mr. Becker was a national leader in conservation issues, serving as Illinois representative with the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies to push for the Teaming with Wildlife Initiative. He was the past president of the Natural Areas Association and was a member of several conservation organizations. In addition to his work to protect Illinois natural areas, he was a leader in his community, serving as President of the Lake Petersburg Association and Chair of the Menard County Zoning Board of Appeals. He was active in his church, serving on the board of trustees. He also served as a Cub Scout leader and coached youth soccer, softball and baseball.

He was a member of the Petersburg United Methodist Church.

Surviving are his wife, Peggy Becker; two sons, Jason Becker of Annapolis, Md., and Jared Becker of Petersburg: one daughter, Jenifer Becker of Petersburg; and one sister, Jane Kesting of Cleveland, Wis.

Services will be Tuesday, April 18, 2006, at 10 a.m. at Petersburg United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 17, 2006, at Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg, Ill.

Pastor Robert Shook will officiate. Burial will be held at City of Seymour Cemetery in Seymour Wis., at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Nature Conservancy, Petersburg United Methodist Church, or the PORTA High School Building Fund.

Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com.

Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg is in charge of arrangements.