Walter "Ted" Becker

Our father, Walter “Ted” Theodore Becker went to heaven on March 8, 2025. He spent the last week of his life surrounded by most of his family. Those who could not be right there were in spirit and love. He passed away peacefully in the home he built in Monticello, IL.

Ted was born on September 15, 1938 to Stu and Marion Becker in Peoria, IL. He grew up with his younger sister, Mary, whom he adored. Growing up, he had a wonderful group of friends who were always up to a bit of mischievousness. He could often be found chuckling to himself about the antics they would get up to. He graduated from Manual High School in 1956.

After high school, he attended Bradley University and studied Construction Design and Management. He graduated in May 1960. He joined the Air National Guard and was set to be deployed to the Berlin Crisis. The first of his platoon was sent and then his group was rerouted to Wisconsin. He had many great memories of his time served. On January 31stt, 1964 he met our mom, Glenda Mae Steele, at an Illinois State University dance. They were married just a year later on January 30th, 1965 at St. Isidores Catholic Church, between Lovington and Dalton City, IL. They had just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They quickly had two sons, Dan (Justine) and Brian (Denise) Becker. A few years later, and quite a surprise, they had their daughter, Laura (Bryce) McCleary. Ted and Glenda were longtime residents of Mahomet before moving to Monticello in 1996.

Ted started his career at General Telephone in Bloomington and helped build several commercial buildings in the area. In 1972, he took a chance and said yes to a job at Parkland Community College, in it's very beginning. For 30 years, he taught Construction Technology. This career change turned out to be such a blessing. He so enjoyed the work and his students. During the summer, with the help of his sons, he often built custom homes, primarily in the Mahomet and Monticello areas.

He enjoyed being in nature. Some of his favorite activities included riding horses, bicycles, and motorcycles and walking in the forest. His favorite parks were Allerton Park, and Lake of the Woods. He was also fascinated by all things built including homes, buildings, furniture and ships.

His greatest joy were his wife, children and grandchildren, His grandchildren; Mallry (Joel Ping), Clayton, Chloe, Kayle, Madison, Spencer, Dustin, Scarlett, and Emmerson were the source of such joy and laughter in his life. He loved the activities they chose to be involved in and enjoyed watching them succeed. He great grandchild, Cooper Ping, brought him lots of smiles in the last couple of years.

Our father kept a journal for decades, documenting all of our lives. He even had codes for the types of days he had. Our favorite in DRDD- “Down Right Delightful Day.” In the past couple of years, we have all enjoyed reading through these memories and will hold these journals close to remember him.

A celebration of life will be held in June. To honor our father, we ask that in lieu of flowers or monetary donations, please spend time with your loved ones, play a game with your children or grandchildren, or go for a walk in nature. Send us a picture.

Love you Dad,

Dan, Brian and Laura

Aaron and Susie Hinds of Hinds Funeral Home & Cremation Services, are proud to honor the life of Walter “Ted” Becker, “Our Family is Here to Serve Your Family”. Please visit our website at to offer condolences.www.hindsfuneralhome.com