BECKER, Arnold Ewald 1927-2018

BECKER, VEENENGA, KNIEP

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 9/10/2020 at 13:32:34

Biography--

Arnold Ewald Becker went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, April 15, 2018, in Waterloo, Iowa, at the age of 90, surrounded by his family.

Arnold was born on September 19, 1927, to Arnold & Margarethe (Veenenga) Becker in Leer, Ostfriesland, Germany. Arnold is survived by his wife, Helga Esther Becker, of 65 years, and four daughters, Becky (Mark) Tink of Waterloo, Iowa; Dianne (Mark) Chanski of Holland, Michigan; Elizabeth (David) Oster of West Chicago, Illinois; and Margaret Becker of Winfield, Illinois; as well as 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Three of Arnold’s sisters continue to reside in Germany: Helga Halfwassen, Ruth Dethleffsen, and Hanna Schröder.

Arnold was preceded in death by his parents, brother Remmer Becker, sister Ulla Brustat, and infant grandson Daniel Oster.

Arnold was educated in Leer and went on to trade school while working in his father’s business, Becker Plumbing & Heating. He enlisted in the German military in 1942 and was trained in seamanship and navigation on the Hörst Wessel ship. Thereafter he was drafted in the German Navy. After World War II, Arnold returned to Leer and earned his Masters degree in industrial design in September 1951.

Arnold proposed and was engaged to marry Helga Kniep in 1950 after their short acquaintance in the church and before her departure to the United States. Then in 1952, Arnold joined his fiancée Helga in the United States where they married at Calvary Baptist Church in New York City, NY. Soon after they made Waterloo, Iowa, their home. Arnold joined the start-up of Young Plumbing & Heating Company in 1953 welcomed by Dick Young as an apprentice and eventually served as president, from 1974 until his retirement in 1994.

In 1957 Arnold became a citizen of the United States of America, which was a title he always regarded as a great honor and privilege.

He is best known to his family and closest friends as a man of God and a man of integrity. Arnold loved God and His Savior, Jesus Christ; he loved his family, the church, and local community. He enjoyed serving in roles such as teacher, trustee and deacon at Walnut Street and then Walnut Ridge Baptist Church. He served as president of the Waterloo Water Works, as a long time member of the Rotary Club, and as a board member of Cornerstone University.

Arnold enjoyed being crew or captain on a variety of sail boat types, flying small aircraft, playing handball and becoming a master windsurfer. His love and compassion for those in physical and spiritual need was also apparent in how he spent his time and resources, including participation with Christian education, and such organizations as Food for the Hungry, Samaritan’s Purse, and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude for the support of so many over the years, the entire Young family, the Walnut Ridge church family, and the most recent compassionate care given to Arnold by the Friendship Village medical center staff.

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Services:
Monday, April 23, 2018 at Walnut Ridge Baptist Church, 1307 West Ridgeway Ave., Waterloo

Cemetery:
Private burial in Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery

Memorials:
Walnut Ridge Baptist Church or Waterloo Christian School, 1307 W. Ridgeway Avenue, Waterloo, IA 50701.

SOURCE: Locke Funeral Home website

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See a photo of his grave marker, at Waterloo Memorial Park cemetery, on Iowa GPP.

IOWA GPP
 

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