JoEllen Marie Becker, 81, of Lincoln passed away on February 25, 2018. Born July 6, 1936, to
Roxie and Martin Larson in Newman Grove, NE. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Newman Grove, attended grade school and graduated from Stanton High School in 1954.
In 1957, she married her high school sweetheart, Richard Becker. To this union were born three children, Dana, Jill and Rick.
She received her teaching certificate and began teaching in a country school outside of Lincoln. Her love for teaching young children flourished as she then decided to open a daycare in her home. For over 30 years, JoEllen cared for children of all ages as if they were her own.
JoEllen was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. Because of her compassion, curiosity, and caring nature, she was a friend to so many. JoEllen was also an extremely active member of her sorority, ESA, and a strong advocate for St. Jude’s Children Hospital. She was a member of Sheridan Lutheran Church and a prayer warrior with the Prayer Chain Ministry. She was an avid Cornhusker fan especially, football, volleyball and basketball. In 2012, she got to take her dream trip to Denmark, Austria, Germany and Italy with family. Most of all she loved the Lord, her precious family, and feline friends, Macy and Max.
She is survived by her brother, Merlin Larson; her children, Dana (David) Mann, Jill (James) Prai, Rick Becker; grandchildren, Rachel (Steven) Hayes, Paul Mann, Richard Mazikani, Jamie (Ray) Vaz, Chris (Sara Petska) Connor, Eric Connor, Mackenzie, Logan, and Andrew Becker; brother-in-law Burton Becker, cousin Robert (Billie) Bussmann, nieces, wonderful friends and loved ones. Preceded in death by her parents and loving husband, Richard Becker.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Friday (3-2-18) at Sheridan Lutheran Church, 6955 Old Cheney Rd., Lincoln.
A public memorial gathering with family greeting friends from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday (3-1-18) at Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Dr. (40th and Yankee Hill Rd.) Lincoln.
Memorial contributions can be made to Sheridan Lutheran Church, St. Jude’s, the Capital Humane Society.