Ernest N. Becker

Ernest Nelson Becker, 93, of West Branch, passed away on Thursday, July 17th, 2008 at Brian’s House in Bay City. He was such a wonderful man and will be missed by many. He was born on June 28, 1915 in Kincardine - Ontario, Canada to Francis and Nelly (Campbell) Becker. His family came to the United States in the spring of 1924 and settled in the Detroit area. He outlived all of his four sisters and two brothers: Helen, Grace, Nelly, Ruby, Francis and Oliver. Ernest married Mary Ivan from Britton on June 15, 1940 and had four children. Mary passed away almost 12 years ago after sharing a truly beautiful life together. He designed their home and with help from his family built their home in Dearborn where they raised their children and lived for 35 years. Ernest was active with the Lion’s Club, Optimist Club, Dearborn Odd Fellows, American Bohemian Club, and a special deer-hunting club: CATS. He bowled weekly until a few years ago! Ernie is survived by his four children, Don(Gail) Becker of Newago, Carol (John) Speltz of Bay City, Ernest (Cyndi) Becker of Dexter, and Vicki (Steve) Friend of Hope, 12 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. He is also survived by his special friend, Rita Felker of West Branch and her loving family. Ernest graduated salutatorian from Chadsey High School in Detroit in 1934. He worked as a “page” boy in a Detroit library while attending school and later worked in a small factory making aluminum castings. Then he worked for Gorden Baking Company in the mixing department. When times were available, he worked with his father and brothers on masonry construction projects. He left the bakery job to work at Ford Motor Company’s Lincoln car plant assembling Lincoln Zephers. He later transferred to Ford’s Rouge plant where he worked on the initial Mercury assembly. While at Ford’s he attended Ford’s Trade School and eventually was transferred to die design at Ford’s Greenfield Village. He worked for Ford Motor Company on World War II projects such as glider planes and eventually at Ford’s Ypsilanti B-24 Bomber plant. As the war came to a close, he transferred back to the old Ford Rouge plant as a #1 Tool Designer. Since his family had been involved in building construction for generations, he wanted to leave tool work for construction design. He was employed by the Austin Company as a draftsman then went to work at the Dearborn architectural firm of Bennett and Straight. Here he became in charge of the design work which consisted mostly of schools. About 1960 he joined with two other architects to form the architectural firm of Ralls-Hamill-Becker Architects. He had passed the Michigan State Exams in 1957 to become a licensed architect. In 1975 he sold his share of the firm to his partners, sold their house in Dearborn, and moved to Clement Township on the Tittabawassee River – located 15 miles south of West Branch. In 2002 he sold the river property for his final location in West Branch. Ernie and Mary truly loved their life “up north” – snowmobiling, boating, card-playing, bowling, walking in the woods, and having family gatherings at their wonderful home which weren’t complete without everyone singing, “In Heaven There is No Beer..”. He was an avid reader and he also had a great sense of humor and loved to sing songs making up his own verses. He was very compassionate and never missed a chance to get up and speak from his heart at funerals. He played the violin and lovingly passed it on to his great grandson, Joshua. Ernie was proud of everything he designed throughout the years, but especially the big schools and city halls. Most of all, he was proud of his family. His grandchildren and great grandchildren held a very special place in his heart. Ernest continued doing architectural projects until he was 92 years old. He will be buried next to “his Mary” in Milan, Michigan on Monday, July 21st. Visitation will be held at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch on Saturday, July 19, 2008 from 2-7 p.m. On Monday, July 21, 2008, the family will receive friends at the Ochalek-Stark Funeral Home in Milan beginning at 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Marble Park Cemetery in Milan.