Leon Becker • 1919- 2011

Leon Becker, 92, Des Lacs, died Wednesday, December 28, 2011 in a Minot Hospital. 

Leon Joseph Becker was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Minot, ND, on February 13, 1919, to Robert D. and Mary (Healy) Becker.

He was raised in Des Lacs and graduated from Des Lacs High School in 1937.  He attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, N.D. for three years.  A member of Sigma Nu Fraternity.   He then transferred to the University of California at Berkeley and graduated in December of 1941 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce.  

He enlisted in the Air Force in January of 1942 and became a bombardier.   Leon flew 30 combat missions in the Central Pacific in a B-24 bomber.  This was in the 7th Air Force.   He also participated in many search missions.  He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal.   In was discharged in November of 1945 with the rank of Captain.

Leon married Carol Hustad on October 1, 1947, in Minot, ND.

He joined his father and two brothers in the International Harvester farm equipment business and farming at Des Lacs.   He spent many hours hunting, fishing and bowling.    Leon retired from the business in 1980.

Leon served as the mayor of Des Lacs and was a member of the city council for 20 years.  He was a life member of the Minot Elks Lodge and the American Legion.  He was also a member of the NRA and the Minot Eagles Club.  He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Des Lacs. 

Carol died on January 27, 1994 and he continued to live in Des Lacs.  He married Arleen Land, May 2, 1999 in Minot and they made their home in Des Lacs.  When Leon married Arleen, he inherited five children and many grand and great grandchildren and they were accepted as family.

Leon loved to travel and went on several cruises as well as traveled the country with both Carol and Arleen.    Leon was very fortunate to have been in good health and humor up until the last few months.  
Leon is survived by his wife Arleen Land Becker, Des Lacs, ND; sons, Jerry (Phyllis) Becker, Bismarck, ND and Michael Becker,  Bismarck, ND; daughter, Stephanie Becker (Neil Van Rossum), Shawano, Wisconsin; grandson Daniel Sauvageau, Moorhead, MN.  Step-children, Mel (Joan) Land, Beaumont, TX, Barry (Nancy) Land, Fargo, ND,  Kecia (Ryan) Schoenwald, Minot, ND, Tim (Terri) Land, Grand Forks, ND and Amy (Dean) Smith, Santee, California. Step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Christopher (Tami) Land and their children, Haidin and McKenna, Craig Land and his fiancée, Jami Kaufman, Benjamin Land and Sarah Land and her fiance, Tyler Van Der Velde, Kayla Hauge (Matt Estrada) and their son, Kashton, Kendra Hauge, Hannah Land, Christopher Dorscher and Justin Dorscher, Tannar, Andrew, Landen and Baylee Smith.   Many nieces and nephews also survive. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Carol, daughter, Kathleen Sauvageau, brothers, Robert and Bruce.

His funeral will be on Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 11 a.m. at  Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot, ND.

Visitation will be on Friday from noon until 7 p.m. at the Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot, ND.

Memorials are preferred to the donor’s choice.

To sign the online guest register for Leon
To view the online guest register for Leon

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