Joshua (Josh) Marvin Becker
June 16, 2013
Joshua (Josh) Marvin Becker, 14 years old, of Urbandale, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2013, at Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines.
Josh was born on February 19, 1999. He was the beloved son of Mark and Susan Becker and the treasured brother of Alyssa.
Josh was a 7th grader at Summit Middle School in Johnston. He was a compassionate young man who lived by the words, "there are no strangers here, only friends you haven't met." He touched the lives and the hearts of everyone he encountered; classmates, teachers, school bus drivers, nurses, doctors, respite care workers, friends, and family. His delightful sense of humor and quick wit brought joy to others.
Josh delighted in the time he had with his family. Many happy hours were spent on the family boat. Josh was the perfect fishing buddy and swimming companion.
School buses were of great interest to Josh. He enjoyed riding on them, watching for and collecting bus numbers, and especially visiting the bus barn. The Johnston Department of Transportation named Josh an Honorary Bus Driver.
Josh loved and admired his older sister, Alyssa. He enjoyed her care and attention. Josh dreamed of following in her footsteps, and attending Drake University.
Josh is survived by his parents, Mark and Susan Becker of Urbandale, a sister Alyssa Becker of Urbandale, maternal grandparents, Marvin and Betty Vander Werff of Pella, and paternal grandparents Lois Becker of Boone, and Jack and Donna Becker of Boone.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 22, 2013, at The Bridge, 10025 NW 62nd Ave in Johnston. Visitation will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for distribution to various charities in loving memory of Josh.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Julie Dalbey-Summit Nurse
06/19/2013
Josh was such a bright spot in my day. I will miss his wit, humor, and hugs. When you received a hug from Josh, you knew you had been hugged. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Max Ryan Dalbey
06/19/2013
Josh was a special friend of mine at school. I will always remember the bear hugs and the fist bumps in the hallways that made my day. Josh was a cheerful and amazing kid. I am sorry for your loss and I will never forget him.
Linda Hansen
06/19/2013
Josh was a special guy. He was blessed with a wonderful family. May God grant you all peace.
Joan Mattingly
06/19/2013
Dear Mark, Sue, and Alyssa,
I am so sorry for the loss of your Josh.
It never feels right when your child dies ahead of you. It's not supposed to happen in that sequence. Let us can take some comfort in the memory that Josh's star shone brightly while he was here.
You have my love and prayers.
Wendy Green
06/19/2013
Mark, Sue and Alyssa, I am so saddened to hear about Josh's passing. He would always have a friendly smile and say hello when I would see him in the halls at Summit. My prayers and condolences are with you.
Kris Larsen
06/19/2013
Dear Susan and Family-
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!
Teresa Smith
06/19/2013
Mark and Sue, So sorry to hear of Josh's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families!
Marcia Mabee
06/19/2013
Lois, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Josh was a very special person who made a special mark on so many lives. You are the very special grandma who was always there for him.
Bruce Kimpston, Superintendent of Ankeny Schools
06/19/2013
I wanted to let you know your family has been in my thoughts and prayers... Bruce
Cynthia Burggraaf
06/19/2013
Mark, Sue and Alyssa, I am so very sorry to hear about Josh's passing. I feel truly blessed to have known him and watched grow since he was just a toddler. I remember missing his hugs and smiles when he went to Summit for sixth grade. Please know that your family is in my heart and prayers.
Henry & Mary Rozenboom
06/19/2013
We want to express our sincere condolence to you and your family. May the Lord give you strength and peace through this difficult time and we will continue praying for you.
Larry Morgan
06/19/2013
I can only imagine how difficult this has been for your family. My sincere condolences. You are in my thoughts.
Jill Herrera (ECSE teacher, Johnston)
06/19/2013
It was an honor to teach Joshua in preschool/kindergarten. Joshua had an impact on my teaching. He taught me how important full inclusion is for students and that it DOES work. He also taught me it is important to not sweat the small stuff and to laugh with your students! I'm am so sorry for your loss of a strong young man.
Bill and Debbie Pedrick
06/19/2013
Mark, Sue & Alyssa, So sorry for your loss. We really never got to know Josh in the short time we have been at MDRC. However it seems like we got to know him well through our friends. You and your family will be in our prayers.
Cam Torstenson
06/19/2013
Mark & Family, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow.