Ernest Edwin Becker, 90, passed away on November 26, 2021 at the Hi-Line Retirement Center in Malta, MT. He was born on June 28, 1931 to Fredrick (Fritz) and Opal (Bridgewater) Becker in Wilsall, MT. He was born at home without a birth certificate, which was common at the time.
Ernie was in a buck-rake accident at 16 years old. His skull was split open and he spent many months in the hospital; he recovered. His favorite music was fiddle music, although he also enjoyed Chet Atkins guitar, the T.V. show "HEE HAW" was a favorite of his, and he read Louis L'Amour paperbacks occasionally. Ernie loved popcorn and good food in general.
He graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Agriculture from Montana State College in Bozeman in 1955. He got his education through the GI Bill after 4 years of active duty and 4 years in the Reserves in the Army, serving in Korea and Japan.
Ernie married Donna Brink of Deer Lodge, MT on August 22, 1955. They raised three children; Dan Stinson of Helena, MT, Allen Becker of Whitefish, MT, Cheryl "Woody" Wallace of Malta, MT. He and Donna were married for 55 years until her death in 2010. During his life with Donna, he belonged to Sons of the American Legion, American Legion, VFW, Moose, Elks, and a bowling league. He was proud of his service to the veterans.
He worked for the Farmers Home Administration for about 40 years. He loved working with farmers and ranchers. Ernie's family was transferred to many cities with his job including Bozeman, Baker, Miles City, Cut Bank, Glasgow, and Malta. Eventually he retired in Malta. He was involved in getting the city water line from Fort Peck to Glasgow.
Ernie was color blind. He saw his lawn as red, the blue sky looked purple, and his silver car looked bright green. He had to re-memorize all the colors.
Ernie attended the Little White Church of Malta for many years and was a devoted member of the Gideon's organization and Kiwanis. He loved fiddle music and enjoyed the monthly jam sessions at the VFW. He loved America and his church.
Ernie is preceded in death by his parents, his oldest sister Marie, two younger brothers Bud and Hardy, and his wife Donna.
He is survived by his brother Walter of Bozeman, MT; sisters Ruthie of Billings, MT and Dixie of Anaconda, MT; children Allen of Whitefish, MT and Cheryl of Malta, MT;
His grandchildren Shawna of Florida, Eric (Chelsea) of Missoula, MT; Lindsay (Jeremiah) of Columbia Falls, MT; 7 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Donations to the family can be dropped off at Wilderness Funeral Home. A visitation will be December 9, 2021 at 7pm at Wilderness Funeral Home and Funeral Service December 10, 2021 at 11am at Wilderness Funeral Home. Reception to follow at the VFW.
Wilderness Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
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