Dale Richard Becker, age 75, died on July 26, 2024 at Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas in Rogers, Arkansas with family at his side.  Dale was born on November 9, 1948 in Clintonville, Wisconsin to George Charles Becker and Sylvia Helen (Klenk) Becker.

Dale graduated from P. J. Jacobs High School in Stevens Point, Wisconsin in 1966.  While in high school he lettered in cross country and swimming and was a member of the school orchestra and choir.  Following high school he attended the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point where he earned a bachelor's degree in biology.  Dale had a beautiful tenor voice which landed him lead roles in UW-SP drama department productions of The Fantasticks and Carnival.  After graduating from college Dale worked for some time as a fish biologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and later with the Missouri Department of Conservation.

In 1978 Dale married the love of his life, Sharron (Sheri) Torgerson.   They moved to Butler Hollow in southwestern Missouri where they homesteaded on 40 acres of land bordered on three sides by the Mark Twain National Forest.  Dale loved gardening, growing shiitake mushrooms, making maple syrup, raising chickens and other live-stock and he reveled in living in such a beautiful area.  In addition to being an excellent birder he was also a skilled self-taught botanist who could identify any blossoming wild flower he encountered.

Dale had a passion for trout (and later walleye) fishing.  He also enjoyed hunting deer and wild turkey.  Along with being a fine cook he was an expert at smoking wild turkey and salmon.

Being an accomplished violinist, Dale performed with the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra and played first violin in a family string quartet.  He also played spirited renditions of traditional fiddle tunes and improvised beautifully during jam sessions.

Dale was proud of the stone mason work he had done with Sheri's son, Trig.

For the past thirty years Dale, Sheri and Sheri's daughter, Ronna, ran a very successful business called Granny's Place in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.  They developed strong ties with the local residents and had a large and vibrant clientele from surrounding states.

Dale's affable and generous nature made him a real favorite for those who knew him.  He really was one who would "give you the shirt off his back".  He is survived by his wife, Sharron Becker, Seligman, Missouri, brother, David (Patti) Becker, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, four step-children, Luther (Debbie) Torgerson, Madison, Wisconsin, Ronna (Jacques Wickersham) Torgerson, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Eric (Jay) Torgerson, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Trig (Theresa) Torgerson, Eureka Springs, Arkansas and their families.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Kenneth.

Dale's family would like to thank the staff at Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas for their compassionate and attentive care.  Cremation took place at Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home in Rogers, Arkansas.  There will not be a service.