David T. Becker

David Theodore Becker, 85, of Mesa, AZ, formerly of Geneseo, passed away on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, in Mesa, AZ. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 12, 2021, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel.  The services will be livestreamed so that friends and loved ones may celebrate with the family.  The web address for live streaming is www.vandemorefuneralhome.com/live-stream.  A public visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m., Monday, April 12, 2021, at the funeral home.  Memorials may be directed to PICK (Phoenix Inner City Kids), a faith based organization that David was involved in.  The memorials may be sent to Phoenix Inner City Kids, In Memory of David Becker, at 20 S. 9th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007

David was born on August 2, 1935, the son of Ted and Gertrude (Day) Becker, in Geneseo, IL.  He graduated from Geneseo High School. He attended college at The Ray-Vogue School of Photography, Chicago, in preparation of becoming a professional photographer.  He opened his first photography studio in Geneseo, Becker Photography.  He owned several businesses including a Mexican food restaurant – Taco del Sol, Harlan, IA, Becker and Hains Photography in Sterling, IL, and at the time of his retirement, Blackhawk Manufacturing, Dixon, IL.  David loved restoring old Studebaker cars, taking pictures, and traveling both domestic and abroad.  He was committed to daily exercise and enjoyed growing beautiful pots of geraniums.  His favorite meal included a large bowl of chocolate ice cream with a side of Oreo cookies.  David and Cladene were “Snowbirds” to Arizona for many years and recently decided became permanent Arizona residents.  He had an unwavering faith in God which guided him through his 85 years of life.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Cladene, Mesa, AZ; daughters, Trudee (Joe) Hill, Nashville, TN, and Teresa (Brad) Boraas, Sherrard, IL; grandchildren, Cameron (Laurie) Kagay, Nashville, TN, Canaan (Liz) Kagay, Nashville, TN, Colin (Chelsie) Kagay, Nashville, TN, Sarah (Ross) Ryan, Pleasant Hill, IA, Jacob (Jaclyn) Boraas, Bettendorf, IA, Lucas Boraas, Ankeny, IA, and Isaac Boraas, Ames, IA; nine great-grandchildren with a tenth on the way in June; and sister, Diane Becker, Deltona, FL.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Gertrude; and son, Jon Becker.