Donald August Becker

Donald August Becker, 87, of Elkhorn, NE went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 23, 2026. He was born on July 27,1938 in Valley City, ND to August and Ella Becker. Don grew up on a farm near Rogers, ND where he graduated from high school in 1956. He first attended Bethel College in St. Paul, MN and finished his degree in Science Education at Valley City State College, Valley City, ND in 1960. Don competed in collegiate basketball and track and field, and was inducted into the Viking Hall of Fame at Valley City State. Don met his love, Elaine, while attending Bethel College with the two being married on August 20, 1960. Don and Elaine moved to Greybull, WY where Don taught high school and coached basketball. After two years they moved to Grand Forks, ND where Don earned his MS/PhD degrees in Botany at the University of North Dakota in 1968. Don and his family moved to NE to accept a faculty position at Midland College in Fremont, NE teaching/researching for 7 yrs as an Associate Professor. Don later spent 20 years of his career working in environmental restoration management and planning with the Army Corps of Engineers at the Omaha District/Division until retirement. Don was a devoted husband and father. Don and Elaine cherished nearly 66 years together in marriage and were blessed with three children: Michelle, Pam, and Don (Donnie). Don had an unwavering faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and was an active member of churches in the different communities where he and Elaine lived. He served as a Sunday School teacher, youth group leader, on church boards, and most recently with the retirement men’s group at First Covenant Church. Don loved to play basketball with his grandkids and coached with Elkhorn Special Olympics. He also enjoyed plants and nature, camping, adventures with family, and visits back to his childhood farming community in ND. Don is survived by his loving wife, Elaine Becker; 2 daughters, Michelle (Stephen) Ernest of Sullivan, IN; Pam (James) Wilcox of Elkhorn, NE; 1 son, Donald (Julie) Becker of Lincoln, NE; 6 grandchildren: Kirsten Wilcox, Elliana (Jared) Kastner, Sophia (Jimmy) Erickson, David (Kate) Becker, Cole Becker, and Aliza Becker; and 1 great-grandchild Leo Kastner. He is also survived by one brother, James Becker of MT; and 2 nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, August and Ella Becker, and sister, Marlys Becker. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 1, 11 a.m. at First Covenant Church of Omaha with visitation prior at 10 a.m. Memorial gifts may be designated to First Covenant Church of Omaha, Open Door Mission, and Bethel University.

Donald August Becker

July 27, 1938 - July 23, 2026