Ray Allan Becker, age 71, of Blair, died on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 in the Family Heritage Care Center in Black River Falls after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

Ray was born on August 11, 1944 in Black River Falls to Virgil and Bernice (Letson) Becker, the youngest of four children.

Ray enlisted in the United States Navy in September of 1963 where he served for four years. After working at several factories he took over the family farm in 1970. Ray worked more recently at Ashley Furniture Industries in Arcadia.

Ray was a member of the Hixton Methodist Church and the Trempealeau Valley Lutheran Church in rural Taylor where he served on the council, sang in the choir and a quartet and also mowed the cemetery. He enjoyed umpiring fastpitch and slowpitch softball, following the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and Wisconsin Badgers on television, reading westerns and watching them on television.

Ray married Lois Hoagenson, the love of his life, on November 11, 1967 in the Little Norway Lutheran Church in rural Black River Falls.

Ray is survived by his wife, Lois, of 47 years; his children, Bradley of Blair, Reggie of Mt. Pleasant, MI and Carrie Beth (Brian) Butler-Becker of Eau Claire; two grandsons, Aaron and Nathan; a sister, Lois (Dean) Gray of Baraboo; an aunt, June Foster; a sister-in-law, Betty Becker; many nieces and nephews, friends and his beloved cats, Brandi and Oscar.

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard and Lynn.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, September 28, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. in the Trempealeau Valley Lutheran Church in rural Taylor with Pastor Benjamin Ahles-Iverson officiating. Military services will be conducted by the Knudtson-Mattison American Legion Post #231. Burial will be in the Sechlerville Cemetery in rural Hixton at a later date.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service.

The Jack Funeral Home in Blair is assisting the family with arrangements.