Thomas Richard Becher

Born to eternal life on June 19th, 2020 after a courageous long battle with cancer. Thomas was born at home on July 9th, 1934 in Stratsford, Wisconsin to Bertha (Harter) and Edward Becher. Thomas evened and completed the ratio of 6 girls anrd 6 boys for his parents. He married Virginia Weiler on June 2, 1962. They just celebrated 58 years of wedded bliss. Thomas was the beloved husband of Jean (name he called Virginia and she became known as), loving father of Angela (Mark) Schmitt, Lucy (Jim) Ovokaitys, Carol (Colby) Ardis, Bill Becher, Donna Kihl, David (Lanie) Becher, and Therese (Matt) Van Genderen. Proud grandfather to Melissa Epple, Eric, Jacob, Caleb, Julia, Alicia, Maria, and Jessica Ardis, Madeleine, Mitchell, Lillian, Joe, and Eli Becher, Roman and Eva Kihl, JC and Kairos, and Elzo, Connie, and Rosemary Van Genderen. Great grandfather to Nora, Ada, and Raymond Epple. Uncle to over 100 nieces and nephews. His schooling included St. Joseph’s school and a vocational program for electronic systems. During his time in the Navy he worked with the ship’s radar equipment. He worked for the Federal Aviation Administration for 32 years as an electronic specialist with the ground equipment at mostly the Milwaukee airport. He enjoyed a long retirement which he noted was as long as his years of employment. He was very active and generous with his time in his church including Resurrection choir, mixed choir, money counter, Holy Name member, music librarian and many unseen tasks. He enjoyed many years of square dancing and bowling. He had a green thumb with African violets. Thomas is survived by a sister, Jeannette Schuster, and a brother, Phil Becher. He is preceded in death by his parents and 4 brothers and 5 sisters and numerous in-laws. Thomas was present at numerous family gatherings and his presence will be missed and remembered each time we are together. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Xavarian Missionaries.