Perry Becker

Perry Frederick Becker, 90, of Morgan MN died September 18, 2024. Perry gracefully accepted the diagnosis of cancer with his strong faith and the acknowledgement that he had lived a long and full life, blessed with his wife Arliss, his family and many friends. 

 Perry lived his entire life in Morgan, born in 1934 to Clarence and Dorathea Becker. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church where he was a devoted member serving in many officer positions throughout the years. He graduated from Morgan Public High School in 1953. He claimed he did better in sports than subjects and often entertained the family with stories of sports-centered shenanigans by himself and his buddies. After spending two years at Mankato State Teachers College, where he played on the football team, Perry returned to Morgan to join his parents in operating Becker’s Super Valu. He took over ownership of the grocery business from 1973 through 1998. 

 His greatest love was his wife, Arliss Hansen, whom he met in the eighth grade and called his ‘best friend’ for 69 years. They married June 5, 1955. 

 Perry was introduced to trains at a young age by his father and held that interest throughout his life. In 1966 he started a model railroad business, Perry’s Hobbies, and his brother Jim joined in its earlier years. Ultimately the business became a global retailer of model railroading equipment, books and media. His love of railroading was supported with years of train-chasing and photography trips throughout the Midwest and the Rocky Mountain states. In the early 2000’s he made three trips to China to photograph the only remaining, actively used steam locomotives. 

 Perry earned the Eagle Scout award in 1950, and throughout his life supported the Eagle Scout Association. He was a member of the Morgan Lions Club since 1956 during which he held all offices and enjoyed working at the Redwood County Fair, Farmfest, and other fundraising activities with his fellow Lions. He received the Helen Keller Sight award and became a Melvin Jones Fellow for his commitment to the Lions organization. 

 Perry enjoyed much in his life. His favorite place was Sherman Hill WY, where he often waited, watched and photographed his favorite steam engines, the Union Pacific Big Boys, thundering along the rails. His favorite eating spot was Carl’s Corner in Essig and usually followed by a stop at Dairy Queen. He enjoyed family vacation/train chasing trips in Colorado and annual camping vacations at Sibley State Park, MN, Canadian fishing trips with friends, wintering in Arizona, and watching Cedar Mountain sporting events. His last community event was as Grand Marshal with Arliss in the Morgan City and Country Days parade in June 2024. 

Perry was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Arliss, and daughters Nancy Becker of Eau Claire WI; Laurie (Ken) Dittbenner and Sarah (Daryl) Seifert of Morgan. Grandchildren Adam (Jodi) Dittbenner of Sioux Falls SD, Drew (Rebecca) Dittbenner of Morgan, Tia (Jason) Hutt, and Tyler Seifert of Watertown SD; great grandchildren Madison and Lauren Dittbenner, Carson and Hayden Hutt, and Sadie Dittbenner; brother Jim (Diane) Becker of Fairfax MN; brother-in-law Allan (Ruth) Hansen of Spencer IA; nephews and nieces Todd Hansen, Trisha (Hansen) Severson, Jayne Becker and Paul Becker; family friend Carol Figi, foreign exchange student Ria (Brumskine) Labala, and train buddy Bruce Blomeke. 

 Perry was an honest, fair and compassionate man; often putting others before himself. He will be dearly missed, but long remembered for his accomplishments, interests and character. 

 A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 26,2024 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Morgan with burial at Morgan City Cemetery later. Visitation will be prior to the service from 8:30-11 a.m. at the church. The family will travel later to Shermin Hill, WY to scatter of his ashes along the Union Pacific railroad tracks that he so loved. 

 Memorials preferred to Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School and Cedar Mountain Alumni Scholarship fund. 

 The Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Service of Morgan and Redwood Falls are in charge of the arrangements. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelson-hillestad.com. 

 The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Pastor Andrew Schmidt; Alyssa, Deb, Dani, Deanna and the rest of the hospice team for their compassion and loving care for Perry.