Gregory L. Becker, 63, St. Cloud, formerly of Bismarck

April 2, 1952 - March 23, 2016

Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Gregory L. Becker, age 63, of St. Cloud, MN, formerly of Bismarck, ND, will be at 10:00 AM on Friday, April 15th, at the St. John’s Abbey Church in Collegeville, MN. Burial will follow in the St. John’s Abbey Cemetery. There will be a visitation from 4:00-8:00 PM on Thursday, April 14th, at the Miller-Carlin Funeral Home in St. Cloud and again one hour prior to mass at the St. John’s Abbey. Arrangements are being made with Miller-Carlin Funeral Home, St. Cloud, MN.

Greg was born April 2, 1952 to Lois (Broxmeyer) and Louis Becker in Bismarck, ND. After graduating from Mary College in Bismarck with an English degree, he returned to work for Mary College (later University of Mary) as the Director of Public Relations from 1978 to 1989. Greg left the University of Mary to accept a position as the Director of Publications and later the Director of Graphic Services for the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University, where he worked from 1989 until his retirement in 2015 due to illness.

Throughout his career, Greg earned a number of national awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and was named “Photographer of the Year” for two consecutive years (1984-1985). Over his 26 years of college/university communications work, Greg earned 11 national CASE awards and the University of Mary Alumni Recognition Award in 1992. Examples of Greg’s creativity, designs and photography remain integral parts of all three campuses.

Greg’s passions included photography, music, drawing, painting, theater and literature, and he especially enjoyed sharing & discussing those passions with others. In 2013, he published a book, A Light Shining, as a tribute to the Benedictine Sisters who were his mentors and friends throughout his life.

In turn, Greg paid it forward through mentoring and friendship to a new generation of student workers, international students, and countless other students. Like his mentors did for him, he helped spark, encourage and nurture the dreams and passions of these students. He was also proud to work with numerous talented colleagues, who came to be wonderful friends.

On October 2, 1976, Greg married Karla Flemmer in Bismarck and they welcomed two sons to complete their family. Greg was devoted to his grandchildren, his sons and daughters-in-law, and his wife. He treasured the time spent with each of them on numerous vacations, on day trips and at his home.

In 2014, Greg was diagnosed with ALS and faced his illness with courage, grace, dignity, and an unwavering concern for others. He was filled with gratitude for all of the support he received from those who so willingly gave of their time to assist with his care as his health failed. As he did throughout his life, he continued to use the power of laughter to help love shine through even the most challenging of situations.

Greg is survived by Karla, his wife of 39 years; his sons Michael (Susan) Becker, Rockville, MN, and Matthew (Courtney) Becker, Chanhassen, MN; his grandchildren Georgia Rose, Leighton Gregory, Abigail Violet, Hugo Buchanan, and an additional grandchild expected soon; his siblings Bonnie (Terry) Lanz, Bismarck, ND; Blaine (Sheryl Decker) Becker, Issaquah, WA; Mark (Patricia) Becker, Bismarck, ND; Kevin (Terri) Becker, San Bernardino, CA; Jeanne (Wesley) Wietgrefe, Cottage Grove, MN; as well as many other family and friends.

Greg is preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law Walter Flemmer, his sister-in-law and her husband Kris & Ken Jennings, and his niece Jessica Mosbrucker.

The family would like to extend a special “Thank You” to Dr. Tiffany Rickbeil, Dr. Paula Lindhorst, and the staff of CentraCare Hospice (Deb, Lori, Cathy and Tracy) for their excellent work and their friendship during Greg’s illness.