Mt Hope, WI-Paul H. Becker, age 91, died on Wednesday June 1, 2016 at Gundersen Boscobel Area Hospital in Boscobel. He was born on Sept. 25, 1924 in Kewanee, IL the son of Charles & Flora (Klopp) Becker.
Paul was a city kid whose dream of living a life in outdoors, raising horses, and playing music became a reality. After graduation from high school, Paul moved to Texas and worked on a ranch until he entered the U.S. Air Force on Jan. 19, 1946. While in service, Paul became the assistant band director of the Air Force Band. After being honorably discharged on July 26, 1947 and went to school and received his degree at the Fred Reppert School of Auctioneering. Paul moved to Dixon, IA and worked in Davenport as a Senior Service Technician for a gas Company. He saved his money and purchased land outside of Dixon where he built his own home and began to raise his horses, knowing that this would someday help fund his plans of buying a larger farm to further pursue his passion of horses. While traveling throughout the country, he fell in love with southwest WI. In the 1970’s, he sold his property in Davenport and purchased two farms in Mt. Hope where he continued farming, raising horses, and began “Becker Trailer Sales” until the early 1990’s. Paul was also involved in horse judging. He judged in seven states for over 28 years and was known and respected by his peers as the most “Honest Judge”.
Paul’s love of music opened many doors and his passion for the trumpet and later drums added to his legacy. He started playing in the 3rd grade and while still in grade school earned the 1st chair in the high school band and won numerous state competitions. Paul’s big break came when he was hired as a drummer on the weekly airing of the Wes Holly Show on WOC-TV. Paul started a traveling Western Show, which featured his trained horses. He also was known as Hance of the “Umpa Kings” which played on a train car for the 100 Anniversary of the railroad crossing over the Mississippi River. Paul also played with bands such as Tom Owen’s Cowboys, Iowa Ramblers, Dixieland All-Stars, Country Kings and Tony Tubby & Paul. Playing music several nights a week proved his love for music along with his passion for operating a successful farm, working with his horses, and running his trailer business. Paul’s vision as a young boy became reality through hard work and dedication. He will be truly missed by all.
Paul is survived by his companion and best friend Carol Nelson of Mt Hope, four children; James Becker of Newton, MS, John (Carol) Becker of La Porte, IN, Ross Becker and Brenda Wurtz of Maxton, NC, William Becker and Barb Keller of Boscobel, several grand and great grandchildren and sister-in-law Beth Becker of Murfreesboro, TN along with two nieces.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Virginia Snickerson and Frances Flink and brother Major Kenneth Becker.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday June 8, 2016 at the Mount Hope United Methodist Church with burial to follow in the Hermitage Cemetery in Mount Hope Township, Grant County, WI. Visitation will be held from 3:00 until 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday June 7, 2016 at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore and from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church on Wednesday morning.