He was born April 5, 1937, to Lorenz and Viola (Franke) Becker, in South Branch Township, rural St. James, Minn. He was baptized and confirmed at St John’s Lutheran, South Branch, where he also attended parochial school through the 8th grade. Jerome graduated from Truman Public School in May of 1955. In December 1956, he married Janice Weidenbach, his high school sweetheart. She is small, mighty and the love of his life for 65 years. Jerome was the “Jerry of all trades.” Starting out as a farmer, he was a member of the National Guard and worked for many businesses around the area, some of which were Stokely Vancamp, 4X4 Feeds, Truman Sale Barn, Hodgemans, Bossharts, GCC, also owned B&B Contractors. He retired from Cemstone (not because he wanted to) as an end dump truck driver, in 2021. He enjoyed playing fast-pitch softball and as his kids grew, he coached and enjoyed watching them play. Jerome was a very active member of St John’s Lutheran Church and served in many roles within the church. He was active for many years in AA and was thankful for 37 years of sobriety. Even though he was a busy man, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Janice; children, Julie (Mike Nienhous) Stoltz, Jeff (Janet) Becker, Joel (Michelle) Becker, Jean (Rodney) Jantzen; grandchildren, Ben, Adria, Kiley, Kaitlin, Jessie, Jackie, Rozzy, Colin, Derek, Daniel, and Emma; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, Eugene of Ohio, Janice Firchau of Truman, and Jolene (Mike) Rider of Minneapolis; and Jerome’s good friend, Dick Domeier. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lorenz and Viola; one brother, Craig; in-laws, Raymond and Lucille Wiedenbach; and many other relatives.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be by given to St. John’s Lutheran Church, South Branch or Martin Luther High School, Northrop. www.zahariafamilyfuneral.com

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