Eugene Dominic Becker, age 100, of Worthington, died on December 5, 2022, at the Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Grand Rapids, MN.  He was born on July 26th, 1922 in Hospers Iowa and was one of 5 children born to Peter Dominic Becker and Amelia Becker (Jungers).  He graduated from Lynd High school in 1940 and later attended the Minnesota school of Business in Minneapolis.  He was in the US Merchant Marines during WWII and was honorably discharged August 15th, 1945.

Gene worked as a Bellhop at Nicollet Hotel in Minneapolis, where he met the love of his life, Ilene.  He began his career at Firestone in Minneapolis in 1947 and married Ilene Haehn September 3rd, 1949.  He worked for various Firestones and eventually moved to Worthington in 1952 to manage the Firestone store.  Gene and Ilene raised 5 children and he retired from Firestone July 1st, 1989 after being employed for 42 years.

During the winters as snow birds in Palm Springs, California, Gene was recruited to Marshall at the Bob Hope Classic for many years.  During the summers you could find Gene biking around Lake Okabena, tending to his garden of prize tomatoes, caring for his yard or taking various daily trips to the local grocery store.  He loved to fish and went on many fishing trips with his family.  In August of 2018, Gene and Ilene moved to Pengilly, Minnesota with their son and daughter in law to live out their last years comfortably.  Gene enjoyed a good meal and a chocolate ice cream bar every night for dessert. He was an avid Twins fan and watched religiously, although sometimes couldn't stay up late enough to see the 8th and 9th inning.  He lived vicariously through the fishermen who would come up north to visit.  Gene and Ilene were married for 72 years.  In July, Gene celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends at Swan Lake.  In September of 2022 Gene was transferred to an assisted living for a higher level of care.  Still sharp as ever, he lived a few months in the assisted living and made some friends He was loved by anyone who met him.  He was a bright light and always excited to see anyone who was in his company.   Gene passed away on December 5th surrounded by family at Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Grand Rapids, MN.

Gene is survived by his sister, Viola; children, Kevin (Mary Ellen) Becker, Randal (Rebecca) Becker, Daniel Becker, Rita (John) Beitz and Dennis( Kandace) Becker; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Ilene; and siblings, Irene, Esther and Dennis.

A Memorial Mass will be 11 am Friday, January 20, at St. Mary Catholic Church, in Worthington, officiated by Fr. James Callahan. A time of fellowship will be one hour prior to the

service at the church Friday. Burial of cremains will be in the St. Mary Cemetery.

To live stream the funeral service please visit http://www.facebook.com/DingmannFH