Obituaries

DeForest/Madison-

Paul W. “Santa” Becker, age 71, died peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, June 5, 2017, and was welcomed into his eternal life by God and his son, Michael. He was born on June 12, 1945, in Madison, the son of Wilfred and Della (Paradis) Becker. He grew up on the East side and attended St. Raphael and St. Bernard Catholic Grade Schools. He was an altar boy, sang in the choir and was a longtime member of the Boy Scouts. From there he attended Queen of Apostles Seminary for 3 years and then moved to East High School for his senior year, graduating in 1963. He then attended 2 years at Madison Business College for accounting. Paul met Cassandra Lapinski while at East High School and they were married on June 5, 1965. They just celebrated 52 years of marriage on the day of Paul’s death. While in school he worked at Kelly’s Drive Inn and his brother’s gas station. He then started work at Oscar Mayer, beginning as a line cook and retiring as Head Chef in August of 1997.

Paul was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church, where he was active in the choir and served on the parish council for many years. He was a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus, where he published the monthly newsletters, helped plan and cook for the many K.C. meals and enjoyed being Santa at the children’s Christmas parties. He was also a Boy Scout leader, Jaycees member and coached for his children’s softball and baseball teams for many years.

One of Paul’s main passions was photography. He was always behind the camera instead of in front of it. He also loved bowling, bowling 5 nights a week in his younger years and worked in the pro shop at Northgate Bowl.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sandy; his children, Pamela (Josh) Seeley, Pete (Julie) Becker; six grandchildren, Tayler, Jade and Michael Seeley and Cadance, Sloane and Bronson Becker; brother, George Parks; sister-in-law, Mary Parks and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Michael, siblings, Tom, Frank and Mary Parks and Allen Becker and sister-in-law, Mary Parks.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 9, 2017 at ST. PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5001 N. Sherman Ave., with Msgr. Charles Schluter officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2017 at Ryan Funeral Home, 6924 Lake Road, DeForest, with a Rosary at 7 p.m. and also from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass on Friday at the church. Interment will be at Highland Memory Gardens, Madison.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at St. Mary’s, Nazareth House and Dean Clinic, also, to the staff at Heartland Palliative Care, especially, Bridgette and Sarah. And to all the friends and family that gave their love and support during these past few months, thank you.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home