Leon I. Becker

Leon I. Becker, age 83, of Yankton, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM, on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton, SD with Reverend Darin Schmidt officiating. Burial will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Hartington, Nebraska after the lunch. Military honors will be provided by the Hartington VFW Post No. 5283. Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, on Friday, May 16 at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton with a rosary and vigil service at 7:00 PM. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton.

Pallbearers are Jonathan Becker, Jody Merkel, Dean Becker, Chris Merkel, Ben Merkel and Tim Becker.

Leon was born April 24, 1942 in St. Helena, Nebraska to Cyril and Eleanor (Lammers) Becker. He grew up on a farm near Fordyce, NE and graduated from Holy Trinity High School in Hartington in 1960. After high school, Leon worked at Pedersen Construction as a heavy equipment operator. He enlisted in the United States Army National Guard in January of 1964 and served for six years. Leon met Marlene Merkel of Crofton, NE in 1963 and married on November 23, 1964 at St. Boniface Church in Menominee, NE. Following marriage, they lived in Hartington where Leon continued working at Pedersen’s. A few years later, Leon switched careers and became a lineman. He worked with REA for eight years and then NPPD until he retired in 2002. Leon spent the last 15 years of his career in David City, NE.

Leon was a faithful member of St. Benedict Catholic Church. He was also very active in the Tri-State Old Iron Club in Yankton where he served as the treasurer for 15 years. Leon loved working on his collection of Maytag and old hit-and-miss engines. He lived by the motto, “Get ’er Done.” He enjoyed hunting and fishing, going on vacations with his family, making memories with his grandkids and taking bus tours with their friends. Leon always enjoyed visiting with people while sharing his infectious smile and was easy to be around. He was a selfless man who continually gave himself to others. Leon was deeply loved and will be missed.

Leon is survived by his wife, Marlene Becker of Yankton; two children, Todd (Nancy) Becker of Yankton and Shelly Becker of Yankton; three grandchildren: Cortney (Jace) Binde, Abby Becker and Tanner Becker; five siblings: Janice (Lloyd) Sudbeck of Bow Valley, NE, Neil (Paula) Becker of Omaha, NE, Clinton Becker of Hartington, NE, Jane (Larry) Harris of Newalla, OK and Michael (Carla) Becker of Independence, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kathy Becker; two brothers: Maurice (Carol) Becker and Roger Becker; sister, Lynette Becker and sister-in-law, Dianne Becker.