Brian J. Becker

Brian J. Becker, 71, of Newton died Wednesday, June 11, 2014, at Skiff Medical Center. The son of Joseph and Velva (Stitt) Becker, he was born May 25, 1943, in Iowa City. Brian grew up in Grinnell, moving to Newton in 1958, and graduating with the Newton Class of 1961. Brian attended St. Ambrose College and the University of Iowa before enlisting in the U.S. Army. Brian served his country with the U.S. Army 6th Special Forces “Green Berets” in Vietnam. Brian was an auditor for the State of Iowa DOT, fuel tax division, until his retirement in 2005. Brian was an avid reader and well-versed in many subjects, particularly the Vietnam War. He enjoyed golf, gardening, following University of Iowa and Big 10 sports, the Iowa Speedway and country music. He was a member of the Elks Club.

He is survived by daughter Brooke Smith; grandsons, Tristen and Brayden Smith; granddaughter Addisyn Smith; sisters, Susan Becker and Barbara Becker (Kate Houston).

A celebration of life will be held at the Elks Lodge from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 28. A private burial will be held on Friday, June 27, at Newton Union Cemetery.

For those desiring, memorials to be used for the grandchildren’s education may be left at the service or at Johnson Funeral Service. See the full obituary atjohnsonfsiowa.com.