Michael John Becker

Michael "Mike" John Becker joined the Lord on August 11, 2024, after losing his battle with cancer.

Mike was born June 10, 1961, in Colton, Wash., to Frank and Betty Becker. He graduated from Colton High School in 1979 and Walla Walla Community College in 1981. He returned home to work on the family farm and met his wife-to-be Lori when she moved to Colton to teach at his former elementary school, Guardian Angel-St. Boniface (GASB). They fell in love and married on June, 14, 1986, in Colton where they welcomed five children. He spent many years operating the Becker family farm before changing careers to work in mechanics. He was a member of St. Gall Catholic Parish as well as the Colton Knights of Columbus. He served his community as a Whitman County Fire Commissioner for years. Eventually he found himself returning to agriculture and working for Wilbur-Ellis in Colton.

Mike loved funny movies, western books and shows, bad jokes, the University of Idaho Vandals, farming, and supporting local causes. All five of his children attended U of I. He was a volunteer at the Palouse Empire Fair every year and helped manage the sheep barn. He spent countless hours supporting GASB in many roles – custodian, maintenance man, teacher's father, principal's husband – but to the students, he was simply Mr. Mike and he would help with anything.

Mike had many lessons in life to share. Trucks and pickups are NOT the same. An education is valuable. Toilet paper hangs under, not over. Hard work is something to take pride in. Sturdy buckets with handles and lids are underestimated. Approach everything with all you have. The answer to all of life's questions is 42.

Mike is preceded in death by his father, Frank Becker. He is survived by his wife, Lori Becker of Colton; his children, Andrew Becker, Christy Becker (Scott Cron), Katie Becker, Matthew (Shauni) Becker, and Rachel Becker; his mother, Betty Becker; his siblings, Larry Becker, Donna (Gary) Meyer, Tom Becker, Teri (Gary) Riedner, Connie (Wayne) Dearing, and Brian (Marie) Becker, and many nieces and nephews. Mike was expecting his first grandchild in November of this year.

The funeral service will take place on Friday, August 16, 2024, at St. Gall Catholic Church in Colton, Wash. The rosary will be at 10:15 a.m., the funeral mass at 11 a.m., and burial following at St. Gall Cemetery. Reception will be held at GASB school following the burial. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Guardian Angel – St. Boniface School in Mike's memory. Corbeill Funeral Home, Pullman, WA has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to http://www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com