Darleene L. Becker

A Mass of Christian Burial for Darleene was held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Exeter, Nebraska. A Rosary was prayed at 10:00 a.m. at St. Stephen Catholic Church, prior to the Mass. Father Brendan Kelly presided over the services. Agnes Anderson was the organist and Alyssa Wilhelm was the cantor. They hymns included "Be Not Afraid," "On Eagle's Wings," "Amazing Grace," and "How Great Thou Art." The pallbearers included Becky Wilhelm, Matt Wilhelm, Jared Wilhelm, Clint Eckstein, Neil Eckstein, Bryan Beavers, Megan Thomas, Jacke Becwar, Nate Becwar, Lauren Morris, Zoe Norris, and Ally Norris. A Graveside Service was held in the Exeter Cemetery immediately following the Funeral Mass. Memorials are suggested to the St. Stephen Altar Society or the Exeter Library. Darleene Lee Becker was born February 4, 1925 to Ray and Leona (Zwieg) Taylor on the family farm near Exeter, Nebraska and passed away on December 10, 2024, at Savannah Pines Retirement Community in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 99. Darleene attended country school until the 8th grade and in 1942 graduated from Exeter High School. After graduation, she taught country school until she moved with her aunt to Lincoln and was employed at Gold’s Department Store in the candy department. When the war started, she began working in the Lincoln Haymarket area sewing Army tents. On VE Day, she left her sewing machine in mid-stitch to celebrate in the streets of Lincoln, the end of the war and the return of her future husband Jerome F. Becker. On August 6th, 1946, they were married and purchased a farm on the edge of York County near Cordova, Nebraska. There, they raised 5 girls. Darleene gardened, sewed, raised chickens, and worked on the farm and was also employed at Stych’s Locker in Cordova. In her spare time, she made the best cinnamon rolls for her family, friends, and local businesses. If you ever had one, nothing ever compared. After their daughters moved away from home, Darleene and Jerome moved to the Becker Family homestead near Exeter where she resided for 40 years, even after Jerome died in 1989. At age 90, she decided to buy a new duplex and live in Exeter where she lived until 2021 when she moved to Lincoln residing at Savannah Pines. Darleene was truly devoted to her family, church, community, and her country. She was a member of the Cordova American Legion Auxiliary, St. Stephen’s Catholic Church and was an active member of the Altar Society, and she enjoyed decorating and helping at the Exeter Senior Center. She enjoyed traveling with her sister Donna and girl trips with her daughter’s and granddaughter’s. She loved to listen and dance to Polka and big band music, especially with special friend and brother-in-law Jack Burns. Darleene was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jerome; sister Donna Baller; and brother Daryl Taylor. Many other relatives and good friends preceded her in death; the bittersweetness of living a long life. She is survived by her daughters Linda and Rocky Wilhelm, Vicki and Dan Eckstein, Cheryl and Doug Beavers, Lori and Jack Becwar, Jean and Chuck Norris; grandchildren Rebecca Wilhelm, Matt and Sara Wilhelm, Jared and Alyssa Wilhelm, Clint Eckstein, Neil Eckstein, Bryan and Kathy Beavers, Megan and Jarrod Thomas, Jake and Brit Becwar, Nate and Marg Becwar, Lauren and Charley Morris, Zoe Norris and Ally Norris; great grandchildren Nyah, Eli, Annaliese, Gabriel and Lily Wilhlem, Mia and Ivy Thomas, and Mae and Beck Morris. In honor of Darleene, donations will go to the Exeter Library and St. Stephen’s Catholic Church Alter Society. Please remember our Mom, by eating a cinnamon roll or better yet, bake some for your neighbor!

Tributes

Darleene L. Becker

February 4, 1925 - December 10, 2024