Karl Becker

Karl Becker passed away Friday, August 28, 2026 at the age of 80 at Grace Hospital, Winnipeg, MB.

Karl was born on June 13, 1946, the first child of six children in his family, at Concordia Hospital.

Karl will be lovingly remembered by his siblings Susan Langrell, John (Donna) Becker and Rob (Sharon) Becker. He is survived by his nieces and nephews Lisa (Blake) Legault and their children Annika, Faith and Alexa; Sheila (Steven) Smart and their children Everett and Jaidyn; Matthew (Melanie) Janzen and their children Kaitlyn and Chase; and Stephanie Bickerton.

He is pre-deceased by his parents, Else and Jack, sister-in-law Elaine, brothers-in-law Harry Janzen and Gord Langrell.

He worked on the family farm – mom said as a child he would slide on his bum along the road towards the highway eager to watch the trucks pass by. It was easy to see why he became a professional trucker – driving for 7-UP, Bergeron Cement, Reiner’s, Kleyson, and finally for Perimeter Concrete.

Karl went to Alarie School, a primary one-room house. Then later, he went to St. Eustache and high school at St. Paul’s Collegiate in Elie.

Karl’s best buddy, his brother Ernie, who was just a year younger, passed away at the age of 14. He was devastated and lost without Ernie at his side.

At the age of 20, he was baptized for his faith at our church.

He was briefly married to Rose Atkin and became a stepfather to her daughter Cheryl.

Karl worked with his brother Jack driving for Reimers.

On one occasion, they were driving and were forced to avoid an animal on the highway. He over-adjusted and wound up tipping the truck onto 9 of 18 wheels, throwing jack from the sleeper and twisting the frame of the truck.

More importantly, there was the family feud that erupted when Karl left Jack at the truck stop in Saskatchewan. He said he thought Jack was in the bunk but apparently didn’t bother to check. Jack was not amused and called the local police (the days before cell phones) to track down Karl who had to return for his brother. It was likely a very quiet or noisy return trip.

Karls love for vehicles extended beyond trucks to fine cars. He proudly owned a Volkswagen Beetle but was especially fond of his 1966 red Chevelle convertible. He claims that he had never lost a drag race with that hot car.

When he wasn’t hurdling down some highway in a big rig, Karl enjoyed relaxing at his family home. The screened porch was the site of so many gatherings with family and friends.

He enjoyed gardening on the home farm. It was always a fantastic garden, yielding enough for all of us to have.

That house was also background for some of Karl’s more interesting lifetime episodes.

Karl loved animals and owned several. Many of us will fondly remember his dog Boots and Benson – his best friend’s.

They were always along for the ride in his half ton. They knew the routine, when Benson saw the .22 come out of the closet he knew there was going to be some action! It could be a squirrel, raccoon or even a skunk to take care of.

At one point, his friends, Diane and Blake Kendall, found a kitten that needed a home. Remembering Karl had recently lost his house cat, they offered the tiny pet to Karl. At first, he said he didn’t want another pet, but Diane persisted – you walk around the house talking to yourself now – people think you’re nuts – at least they’ll think you’re talking to the cat! A week later – the cat had moved in and was the proud owner of nearly every cat toy the local pet shop could offer, compliments of her new kitty dad.

The Karl we all knew and loved was a remarkable, funny guy who enjoyed time spent with family and friends. Telling jokes and poking fun at life – he was a country boy at heart.

When his health started to decline, Karl was forced to move to the manor in Elie where he reluctantly had to give up a lot of his independence. Fortunately, he had friends he knew well who were involved in his care and helped him adjust, we’d like to thank Sharon Tomchuk for doing his housekeeping and laundry and Aline Bernardin who brought him meals, did shopping and kept a close eye on him, often visiting him while in Grace Hospital providing a friendly and familiar face.

The family would like to thank the staff at Grace Hospital for their care and compassion given to Karl.

A special thanks to our pastor Jeremy Voth for his visits to Karl and being there on his final journey.

His sister Susan and Brothers John and Rob, numerous nieces and nephews, would like to express their thanks to extended family and friends for their care and support during this difficult time.

A funeral service was held on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Schoenfelder Mennonite Church in the R.M of St. François Xavier.

Donations may be made in Karl’s memory to Manitoba Lung Association.

In closing, I would like to share this verse, from 2 Timothy 4:7 – I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

Rest in Peace Karl.