Memorial
Harold M. Becker of Cedar Rapids died of a heart attack on May 28, 2016.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 2, 2016 at 10AM at Temple Judah. Burial will follow at Eben Israel Cemetery.
Harold was born February 6, 1922 in Muscatine Iowa, the son of Orrie and Anne Becker. He graduated Franklin High School of Cedar Rapids. He graduated Northwestern University 1942 with bachelor’s degree in commerce. Harold proudly served in the US Navy and was promoted to Lieutenant. He married Arlene Gabert after returning from active duty during WWII.
Harold is survived by his wife, Dianne Becker; daughters Deborah (Larry) Josephson from Omaha, Sherri (Bill Coleman) Becker from Kansas City; his son, Robert (Diane Handler) Becker from Cedar Rapids; grandson Alan (Kari) Josephson from Denver, granddaughters Melissa (Bill Sloan) Josephson from New York City and Maya (Itay Ricon) Becker from Tel Aviv.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene, his daughter, Lauren L. Becker and his sister, Betty Leibsohn.
Harold started working at a young age in his parents’ stores, Peoples Grocery, the first of which was located on 3rd Avenue only two blocks from Guaranty Bank & Trust, that coincidently years later he would purchase controlling interest in 1969. He faithfully served as Chairman of the bank for 47 years and came into the office every day to work or tell a funny story. He loved his family and he took great pride in his entrepreneurialism. He was a private pilot for many years and enjoyed frequent flights in his twin-engine plane. Harold was a promoter of this community and served on numerous community boards including The Downtown Association, CR Symphony, CR Art Museum, Temple Judah and many more.
In lieu of flowers the family has established a memorial fund in care of Guaranty Bank & Trust.