Ace (Gary) Becker

Gary Becker better known as (Ace) was born on February 14, 1949, to Elmer and Selma (Wardein) Becker at Wesley Hospital in Wadena, Minnesota. Ace is the youngest of 11 siblings. He graduated from Deer Creek High School with the class of 1967. Ace entered the United States Army on July 26, 1968, and was honorably discharged on February 26, 1970. He was extremely proud of his military service. Ace was employed by BNSF Railroad for 43 years and a proud member of International Teamsters Union of Maintenance and Employees Division. In 1993 he was introduced to Cindy Johnson and the couple were married in 2003.

Those from the Deer Creek area know the name Becker is synonymous with baseball. From the 1960’s - 1980’s Ace’s dad, Elmer, coached all 7 of his sons for the Deer Creek Cardinals baseball team along with a few other good men. Ace was known as a pitcher, utility player and a great hitter. He played whatever position his dad asked and enjoyed doing so. The DC Cardinals played in most every State Class C Amateur Tournament during this time period and in 1970 they took home the state championship title.

Ace was an avid sportsman and enjoyed the outdoors. Fishing, hunting, walking in the woods and just sitting in his deer stand on the Leaf River watching wildlife were things he enjoyed most. Ace and his daughter spent deer hunting season together for 30 years and many a big buck were harvested throughout those years. He had a thing for telling stories and could spin a tall tale with the best of them. Ace never liked leaving town much but when asked if he wanted to “head east” in less than an hour he would be showered and anxiously waiting in the car ready to head for Grand Casino Mille Lacs.

Ace also enjoyed playing pinochle. He and his wife would get together with Cindy’s sister and husband for what they called pinochle marathons. They played for several hours over 2 days and by the end of the marathon had played 25 or more games. These games always pitted guys against the girls and yes, from time to time the air did get a little blue but it was all in good fun and no one left angry.

Ace is preceded into death by his parents; son Chad; siblings David Becker, Glenyce Zinter and (Bud) Marvin Becker; brothers-in-law; Richard Boe, Herb Zinter, Rich Sinkler; and Pete Onstad; and nephew Kevin Boe.

He is survived by his wife Cindy; daughter: Jessica Becker; step-daughters: Kathryn (Mark) Lampert; and Kristina Kukacka;  step-grandchildren: Austin Kukacka, Dalton Butler, and Blake Butler; siblings: Julie Boe; Donnie (Mavis) Becker; Carol Sinkler; Norma Onstad; Janet (Gary) Jacobson; John (Ethal) Becker; and Dale (Jackie) Becker; sisters-in-law: Judy (Bud) Becker and Wilma (David) Becker; a host of nieces, nephews and friends

Ace’s presence will be dearly missed. Although this chapter of our lives ended bittersweet for family and friends, for Ace it’s a new beginning in a place much greater with family that has gone before him.

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