Mass of Christian burial celebrating the life of Emily Evangela (Vasecka) Becker, 100, of Holdingford, was held Dec. 14, 2024, at Church of All Saints–St. Mary in Holdingford. Burial will be at the Arban cemetery at a later date.
Emily passed away Dec. 4.
Emily was born June 8, 1924, to John and Helen “Nellie” (Kaveney) Vasecka in Mastown Township, Wadena County. She married Raymond Joseph Becker June 10, 1948. Emily taught for nine years in country schools in the Holdingford area. For nine years she also taught religion classes. She also worked at the Holdingford school as an aide for 17 years.
She was a proud member of the Arban church as a lecturer, reader and choir member. She was active in the mission groups for Arban, St. Joseph’s Society and a lifetime member of the Pioneer Club. Emily was a member of the Church of All Saints–St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She was a charter member of the Auxiliary for the Knights of Columbus. She was also an officer for Christian Mothers and received a 50-year pin.
Emily met Ray while she was teaching at the country school in Arban, and he was working on the Arban church. Throughout their marriage, you seldom saw one without the other. Together, they built their home and gardened and farmed. They attended church every week, even bringing their grandchildren in their later years. Emily was very competitive. She did not like to lose, especially at cards. She enjoyed reading the paper and doing puzzles. Nothing was ever wasted, and you never sat down to eat without washing your hands first.
Survivors include her children, Theresa Johannes of Avon and Peter Becker of Avon; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren with four on the way.
Emily is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Raymond; parents John and Helen “Nellie” Vasecka; children Owen, Pauline Lichy, Raymond Jr. and baby Ann; grandchildren Tim Johannes and Jennifer Becker; great-grandson Raymond Becker; all of her siblings, Thomas, Helen Thorsett, Katherine Hebrink, Mary Vierzba, John Vasecka, Joseph Vasecka and James Vasecka; and son-in-law Leroy Johannes.
The family would like to thank the staff of St. Croix Hospice and Covered Bridge Hyatt House for the excellent care they provided for Emily and the family while she was there.
Arrangements were made by Miller-Carlin Funeral Homes.
P-51-1B
