Carol Ann Becker, 69, of Hayward, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away suddenly on Saturday, April 28, 2012. A celebration of life will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Theodore’s Catholic Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. Timothy T. Reker and Deacon Mike Ellis will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday at Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home in Albert Lea and one hour prior to the church service. Carol will be laid to rest at St. Theodore Catholic Cemetery in Albert Lea. To sign the guest book, go to www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Carol was born Sept. 29, 1942, in Blooming Prairie, the daughter of Anton and Agnes (Styndl) Renchin. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated from Albert Lea High School. On Nov. 29, 1958, Carol was united in marriage to David Roland Becker Sr. at St. Theodore’s Catholic Church. Carol was a homemaker and devoted mother to Dawn, Dave Jr., Patricia, Paul, Penny and Mark. She was employed as a bartender, truck driver with her husband David, counted tickets for the MS Society and was a bookkeeper for Nelson Trucking and Becker Auto. Carol enjoyed playing cards, camping, bowling, dancing to old time music, spending time with friends and raising her black and white Shetland ponies, Dolly, Rocket and The General, who she was extremely proud of. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and attending their activities. Carol was a member of the Albert Lea Eagles Auxiliary, Good Sam RV Club, American Veterans Auxiliary and Low Bucks Car Club. Carol was a devoted volunteer for St. Theodore’s Catholic Church. She also served on the board of directors at the Albert Lea Senior Center and Hayward City Council and Booster Club.

Survivors include her children: Dawn and husband Daniel Ausen of Farmington, David and wife Laura Becker of Mitchell, S.D., Patricia Becker of Watertown, Paul Becker of Bloomer, Wis., Penny and husband Steven Jahnke of Albert Lea and Mark and wife Joan Becker of Hayward; grandchildren: Jamie and wife Kristina Becker, Samantha Chicos, Trevor and Logan Ausen, Alexandria, Collin and Dakota Jahnke and Olivia Becker; great-grandchildren: Lane Becker and Megan Williamson; sisters and brothers: Florence Christian of Westminster, Colo., Donald and Mary Alice Renchin of Twin Lakes, Bernice and Maynard King of Minneapolis and Robert and Kate Renchin of Mequon, Wis.; brother-in-law Ervin Becker of Albert Lea; many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband David; her parents, Anton and Agnes; infant daughter Peggy; sister-in-laws: Bonnie Larsen and Deloris Becker; brother-in-law Robert Christian; father-in-law and mother-in-law Frank and Irene Becker.

We will always remember and treasure her strength of character, her friendly nature, her laughter, and her guidance and love. We could always count on her and we are better because of her. We love you mom and will miss you.

Memorial contributions to honor Carol Becker may be made to the Albert Lea Senior Center.