Gary Becker

With a bold personality, unwavering loyalty, and tremendous influence, Gary Becker lived a life rich in faith, family, and friends. A natural leader, Gary led by example. Whether at home, on the golf course, or in business, Gary strove for excellence, inspiring those who knew him to be and give their best in all things. Never one to shy away from sharing his pride and gratitude, especially his pride in his sons and their families, and his appreciation for his wife. A wonderful husband, father, grandfather, leader, and friend, Gary will be forever missed by those he so dearly loved.

1954 was the year the nation learned to "Rock Around The Clock" and that "Father Knows Best." Young people across America embraced the new sounds that came with the recording of Elvis Presley's first album, as well as M&M's Chocolate Candies' "melt in your mouth and not in your hand," sweet delights. As more and more homemakers left home and entered the workforce, the economy continued to grow, as did the number of convenience items like TV Dinners and more and more fast-food restaurants. It was a time of robust change and much hope for the future. Nowhere was there more hope than in the hearts and home of Duane and Greta (Manshaem) Becker as they welcomed their son Gary to their family on May 3 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Growing up in Wyoming, Michigan, Gary enjoyed the comforts of his loving parents and the companionship of his little sister, Kimberly. His mother was a homemaker, and his father owned and operated Becker Heating and Cooling. Gary had deep respect for his father, whose example and influence inspired Gary to become much like him: always looking for the best in others, willing to say the hard but necessary things, and making sure every day was meaningful.

The family attended Grace Lutheran Church, and even as a child, Gary possessed a big personality and was very social. Gary attended East New Hall Elementary School. On his first day of kindergarten, his mother, who had dropped him off that morning, was surprised when he walked home all by himself at recess, thinking school was over for the day.

As a student at Rogers High School, Gary played pitcher on the baseball team. After graduating with the class of 1972, he attended Grand Valley State University. In his second year at the university, The Kroger Company handpicked him for its management training program. By the spring of 1974, Gary had become the store director for Kroger, beginning his 50-year career in the food industry.

Over his career, Gary also worked for Spartan, Advantage Solutions, and Bumble Bee Foods. In addition to management, his versatile skills and commitment to continuous growth led him to work in marketing, merchandising, and purchasing. Gary consciously built respect and trust with those he worked with, worked for, and who worked for him. Fondly known as "Dog," Gary always put the team and others first, taking time to teach, encourage, empower, and affirm them, making it both fun and meaningful. He held his team to the same expectations he had of himself: give their best efforts, strive for the best. He was willing to say the tough things when necessary to inspire his team's best efforts.

In 1984, Gary became a father when his son, Derek, was born. Though Derek lived mostly with his mother, he and Gary enjoyed a special bond and a life focused on sports, activities, and plenty of meaningful heart-to-heart conversations. While working at Advantage in 1998, Gary's wife, Bonnie, caught his eye. After much persistence on Gary's part, Bonnie finally agreed to go to dinner at Florentine's, where Gary produced a coupon when paying for the check.

Though Bonnie wasn't instantly smitten, Gary was persistent in his romantic tactics and eventually won her heart. The couple happily married on November 9, 2002, at the Chapel at Noel in Jamestown Township, and Gary officially welcomed Bonnie's sons, Nick and Nathan, into his heart and raised them as his own.

In 2000, Gary became a business partner with Greg Bennett in Wayland. The pair owned and operated Bentley's Party Store, the Big Dipper Ice Cream, and Captain G's Fish Fry, and Gary enjoyed the partnership for over twenty years.

Gary loved riding his Harleys, playing golf, cheering on the Lions, Tigers, and Wolverines, watching his favorite NASCAR drivers, and spending time at his cottage on Crystal Lake. Most of all, he cherished being a husband, father, grandfather, and brother. Gary took many bike trips over the years, including out to South Dakota for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. He played in golf leagues several nights a week at Yankee Springs Golf Club and Sunnybrook Country Club and fulfilled the serious golfer's ultimate dream with a trip to Scotland, the "home of golf." One of his many special "purchases" over the years was his bright yellow 1973 Corvette, and in 2020, Gary and Bonnie purchased a vacation home on Crystal Lake. The lake home became a very special place for family time and memory-making in his final years. Gary's heart's delight was being his grandchildren's "Grampy." He'd affectionately give them his "Super Hugs" and ask them, "Who's your Best Buddy? He loved sharing ice cream, giving boat rides, and attending all his grands' activities.

Though Gary's faith was always present throughout his life, on Friday, March 13th, he confessed his faith in Jesus and officially accepted his grace and righteousness, enjoying spiritual new birth and salvation.

As we celebrate Gary's wonderful life, may we find much comfort in knowing he is at peace. May we also find comfort in our treasured memories and the honor of carrying his legacy forward. In each moment, we confidently face life's challenges, give of our best selves, share a much-needed laugh, take an epic trip, play a game of golf, cheer on our loved ones' endeavors, share an ice cream, or enjoy time at the lake with our beloved, we keep Gary's memory alive and inspiring others as he so inspired each of us.

Gary Lee Becker, age 72, passed away at home after an extended illness. Gary was born May 3, 1954, in Grand Rapids, to the late Duane and Greta (Manshaem) Becker. He was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Stephen Morgan.

Gary's wife of 23 years survives, as do his sons, Derek (Christine) Becker, Nickolas (Madison) Morgan, and Nathan (Kaitlynn) Morgan; and his grandchildren, Brooks, Miller, Emmalynn, Kennedy, Luca, and Callahan. He is also survived by his sister, Kimberly (Robert) Manikowski; in-laws, Suzanne (Henry) Ykema, Sandy Morgan, Janis (Brent) Metz, Mark Morgan; his special aunt, Linda Firlik; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his special cat, Bailey.

A memorial service will be held Monday, June 8, 2026, at 11 AM at Clyde Park Church of the Nazarene, 2545 Clyde Park SW with nephew, Rev. Matthew Metz officiating. Friends may visit with his family on Sunday from 2-5 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW, and beginning at 10 AM prior to the service at church. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Humane Society of West Michigan. To read more of Gary's Life Story, leave a memory or sign the guestbook; please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.