June Becht

June Louise Becht, 84, passed away on January 2, 2014. She was born to the late Fred Wuest and Bertha Philippi Wuest on June 9, 1929. After graduating from Ritenour High School, June attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, graduating with a BS in Education, specializing in physical education. At MU she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. After college, where she met her husband, the late Harvey Becht, June taught physical education and coached at Ritenour High School. June and Harvey were married June 13, 1953 and settled in Olivette, MO where they raised two daughters, Meri (Mimi) Becht Cartee of St. Peters, MO and Barbara Becht Steinbach of Olivette, MO.

June was an instructor in the area of women’s health at Washington University and later taught at University of Missouri-St. Louis. It was at Washington University, while pursuing her Masters Degree in Education, when June discovered her passion for the Olympics, specifically those of 1904, hosted in St. Louis. Her love of women’s sports and the Olympics inspired a late writing and speaking career. She was a speaker for the Missouri Historical Society on the 1904 Olympics and women in the Olympics. She was published in many newspapers, magazines and Olympic publications.

June was an advocate for women and their deserved place in sports history before it became popular. She raised awareness of women’s health issues and the importance of physical activity long before the fitness craze. She also brought recognition to St. Louis’ proper place in Olympic history.

June was active with the International Olympic Committee, The Missouri Press Women, Alpha Delta Pi alumni, The 1904 World’s Fair Society, OWL, the German American Heritage Society, the Ladue Chapel and others. During their free time, June and Harvey enjoyed traveling, including visits to many Olympic sites such as Greece, Los Angeles, Lake Placid and Australia.

June is survived by her sister, Kay Bennett, of Chicago, IL; her daughters, four grandchildren; and a number of loving relatives and friends. She was a good friend and neighbor, an active volunteer, a dedicated historian and a great role model for her daughters and grand-daughters.

There will be a memorial for June on Sunday, January 19, 2014 at Kriegshauser West from 3pm to 7pm. A private service will be held Monday, January 20 followed by a graveside service at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery.

The family would like to thank all of those who cared for her during her prolonged illness. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 9370 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63132.