Ralph H. Becker age 94 of Oshkosh, passed away October 15, 2010. He was born in Oshkosh August 19, 1916, the son of Edward and Elizabeth (Roehl) Becker. He was an only child and grew up in the Oshkosh area. He married Lucille J. Anunson on June 18, 1938, and celebrated 70 years of marriage prior to her death on April 19, 2009. Together they owned and operated Becker Music Center for more than 60 years.
Ralph began his long and distinguished music career taking piano lesions at age four. He was a music teacher throughout his life and taught music to hundreds of students. Ralph was also in several bands including the "Becker Harmonettes" which he started with his two eldest children. Ralph and Lucille also established an accordion marching band in the 1950's and 1960's and won many competitions throughout the Midwest. The Becker's also rented the Grand Opera House in the 1960's and 1970's to hold musical recitals for their many students. He attended college and had an opportunity to play in the Chicago Symphony. For more than 40 years Ralph and Lucille enjoyed short vacations in Las Vegas to view the wide variety of musical talent and shows. They brought back to Oshkosh many ideas to enhance the music business. Ralph didn't believe in retirement because he felt his hobby (music) was his job, and gave lessons until age 90. He enjoyed entertaining at Park View Health Center, he said that he was playing for the "old people," even though he was older than many of the folks that lived there. He was a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church on Main Street. He has resided at Evergreen Retirement Community since April of 2009 and continued playing the piano for residents and staff.
Mr. Becker, and his wife Lucille, had six children and he is survived by: Roger Becker and Bonnie Becker of Oshkosh, Lorene (Jay Willman) Becker of Park Falls, and LuAnn (Boyd) Kraemer of Columbus. His twin boys, Randolph and Ralphy Becker preceded him in death. He is further survived by his grandson, Scott Becker and great-grandson, Jacob Becker. Ralph will be sadly missed by family, friends, and all the many people he touched with his special gift of music.
A private service was held for relatives and friends at Seefeld Family of Funeral Chapels. Interment is in Riverside Cemetery. Condolences may be shared online at www.seefeldfuneral.com, or by mail, care of Seefeld Funeral Chapels 1025 Oregon Street. A memorial is being established to benefit the Alzheimer's Association.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Evergreen Retirement Community and of Heartland Hospice for the wonderful loving care given to Ralph and his family.
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