Ronald R Becker

Ronald R. Becker, 68, Bismarck, died unexpectedly after a brief illness, on September 13, 2013, at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, September 17, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Bismarck, with Rev. Steve Sathre officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Bismarck. There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. Ron was born August 29, 1945, in Bismarck, ND, to Walter and Laura Rau Becker. He was raised and educated in Napoleon and Bismarck, graduating from Bismarck High School in 1963. He graduated from BJC before attending Valley City State College, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education. In 1970 he earned his Masters degree in Education Administration from the University of North Dakota. Ron dedicated his life to educating children. He taught in the classroom for six years, was the metric director for the state of North Dakota for three years, and was an elementary school principal for 31 years before retiring. He touched the lives of many children in various elementary schools in the Bismarck area. He took a personal interest in each student who came through his door. He knew every child in his school by their first name. After retiring from the Bismarck Public School System, Ron worked part time at the North Dakota State Penitentiary in the education department. He also enjoyed substitute teaching in Bismarck classrooms. Ron married his high school sweetheart, Donna Boyd, on June 30, 1967 in spite of the efforts of his three year old cousin, Brenda, who protested his love for someone else. Ron and Donna welcomed their first son Todd into the world on July 21, 1971. Todd quickly got a brother, Scott, on April 20, 1972. To complete their family, Holly was born on June 18, 1978. There is no question that Ron was put on this earth to be a husband and father. Little did he know that when he was given the gift of grandchildren his life would change forever and be filled with joy beyond his imagination. Ron Papa was the most active, hands on, loving, silly and amazing grandfather. Besides his love for his family he also had a deep appreciation and great affection for his coffee buddies. They provided him unlimited laughter, friendship, and support. Ron valued his time spent with family and friends at their lake house at Lake Tschida. He woke up early to make breakfast and get his lawn work done so that he could spend the day driving the boat, and playing with his kids. In the last few years, Ron and Donna spent time during the winter at South Padre Island in Texas. He looked forward to his time to unwind and relax with Donna and very special friends. Ron was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he served as a Luther League advisor, deacon, and on several other committees throughout the years. He was also a member of the Elks Club, and other professional organizations. The family would like to thank the outstanding staff at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, for the loving care given to Ron and our family during the last week. Ron is survived by his wife, Donna; one son, Scott Kristie, Bismarck, and one daughter, Holly Brent Lockett, Dallas, TX; and five grandchildren, Erin and Natalie Becker Bismarck, Hunter and Jaxson Lockett Dallas, and Jessica Becker Livingston, MT. One Sister Connie Frank Schneider, Bismarck. One special cousin Brenda Njos, Bismarck. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his son Todd Becker. Memorials can be sent to Carrie's Kids for the Todd Becker Memorial Scholarship.

Ronald R Becker

August 29, 1945 - September 13, 2013