Dr. William K. Becker Jr.
July 10, 1952 ~ March 11, 2025
Born in:
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Resided in:
Lake Park, Minnesota
William’s service will be livestreamed below at 2:00 pm, Saturday, March 29, 2025
Dr. William Kirby Becker, Jr. died on March 11, 2025 at the age of 72. He was born on July 10, 1952 to William and Joan Becker in Minneapolis. A lifelong Gophers fan, he attended the University of Minnesota for his BA, MD, and surgery residency. While working at a U of M lab, he met his wife Pat, to whom he was married for 48 years.
Bill had a distinguished career serving his country, advancing the field of surgery, and educating future surgeons. Bill joined the U.S. Army in 1983, working as a specialist in general surgery and surgical critical care at several Army hospitals. Military life took him, together with Pat and his children Amy and Anna, to Leavenworth, KS, El Paso, TX and San Antonio, TX.
At Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Bill was a surgeon in the Burn Unit as well as Critical Care Residency Program Director at the US Army Institute of Surgical Research, a premier casualty care research and emergency response organization. In 1989, after a pipeline explosion in the then Soviet Union injured hundreds of people, President Bush sent a burn team, led by Bill, on a three-month humanitarian mission to respond to the disaster. In 1990, he deployed to Saudi Arabia during the first Gulf War, receiving a Bronze Star for meritorious service.
Bill was a respected researcher, co-authoring numerous articles on critical care and burn surgery throughout his career; he received his PhD in 1993. He was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and received a Bush Medical Fellowship.
Bill left the Army at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and moved to Grand Forks, ND, embarking on a rewarding phase of his career as an educator of new surgeons. At UND he served as Professor of Surgery and Program Director of the Surgery Residency Program. Bill later served in leadership roles as Chief of Staff at both the Sioux Falls and Fargo VA hospitals; in Fargo, he also was Director of Surgery Specialty Care. Bill’s commitment to his field and surgical community was so strong that he attended weekly care review conferences well into his retirement.
Bill and Pat moved to Turtle Lake in MN 27 years ago and later began spending winters in Naples, FL. Bill loved fishing at a cabin he owned with friends near Lynn Lake, Manitoba. He traveled across the globe–to China, Argentina, India, New Zealand, the Cook Islands, and across Europe and Scandinavia. He also enjoyed pheasant hunting, fonduing, pontooning, learning Finnish, and relaxing in the Florida sun. In his last years, his granddaughter christened him “Boppa”–he especially loved being a grandfather.
Bill is survived by his wife Patricia, daughters Amy and Anna (Mazen), and granddaughter Leonora; sister Julie Whelan; great-aunts Bonnie Roach and Charlotte Pehrson; sisters-in-law Deanna (Dave) Germain and Nancy (Patrick) Sonnek; two foreign exchange students who were like sons, Alexander Molchanov and Ante Matti Kalstad; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Joan.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, with visitation an hour prior. Interment will occur at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.
Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.
Services
Visitation - Saturday: March 29, 2025 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Celebration of Life - Saturday: March 29, 2025 2:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in William K. Becker 's name.
U of M's Future Physicians Scholarship Fund
200 Oak Street SE, Suite 500
Minneapolis,
Minnesota
Pat,
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Becker. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this incredibly difficult time. He was truly a remarkable surgeon. I was fortunate enough to know him and enjoyed our chats and his support. I always felt he heard my concerns and dealt with my concerns.
Please know that you are in my thoughts! Wishing you strength and comfort in the days ahead.
With deepest sympathy,
Jackie Senf
Please accept my condolences on the loss of Dr. Becker. I had great respect for the man as a surgeon and it was a honor to have worked with him. I really enjoyed our visits after his retirement.
Pat & Family –
Please accept my sincere condolences. His insightful, clear, concise analysis of matters was always welcome and appreciated. He selected his words carefully, often adding a hint of a smile. His leadership aided many of us in our careers. I enjoyed our conversations — although he spoke with few words, each needed to be heard. Penny and I enjoyed our visits with you and Bill after our retirements. I will miss him.
Pat, Amy & Anna,
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Bill. You lost a wonderful Husband & Father. I hope you find some comfort thinking of the wonderful memories you have of him. Hold them close to your heart. Love & Hugs to all of you.
Deb & Jeff Miller
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Dr. Becker was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. Sending you all Love, Hugs and Prayers today and always.
so sorry to hear of Bills passing. Please accept our deepest condolences for Pat and the girls. Marge and Sam
I treasure those years working together. He was a gentleman and a scholar.
Sincere condolences to Pat and the Becker family from old med school friends, Bill and Sue Peglow.
I only met Pat for a short time when our husbands had rooms next to each other at Bethany. My sympathy goes out to you and your entire family.
Bonnie Schlegel
We are sorry to hear of Bill’s passing and certainly nothing about his impressive career. We do fondly remember many good times at the Lakewood pool and the very good care you took of him. May you and your girls savor your many good memo of him. Now take good care of yourself. You so deserve it.
Sincerely, Stan & Debbie Bara
Dear Pat and family. So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. May you find solace in your many positive and happy memories together.
Beth Grandbois
All our love- Char, Rich, Kate, Sofia, and Berit
The memorial service online was watched by many of us in florida. Prayers to Pat and Amy, Anna and Nora. Bless Pat and the family!
We are sorry we were unable to make the trip to be with you in person today, but we look forward to when we can be together again.
Char, Rich, Kate, Sofia and Berit
My dear friend Pat and beautiful daughters and granddaughter.
Sending love and hugs your way – just about to watch the Celebration of Bills life – and what a wonderful husband – father – grandpa he was – along with his dedication to his field of practice and humans.
May your memories comfort you.
Sincerely
Kathleen