Arno Winfred Becker
March 14, 1931 ~ March 22, 2024
Born in:
New Braunfels, Texas
Resided in:
New Braunfels, Texas
Arno Becker passed away peacefully at home on March 22nd, 2024. He was 93 years old.
Arno was born on March 14th, 1931 to Walter and Pauline Becker (nee Lieck). He had one sister, Cora Jane Welsch (deceased).
A resident of New Braunfels his entire life, Arno attended Carl Schurz Elementary School for grades 1-6, and New Braunfels High School at the Mill Street location for grades 7-12. While in high school he played trombone in the band and participated in numerous other clubs including National Honor Society, Student Council, Sea Scouts and National Guard Band. Arno also achieved the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout. Following his graduation in 1949 Arno enrolled in Texas A&M University, College Station. A member of the Fighting Texas Aggie class of 1953, Arno was a proud member of the Corps of Cadets, acting as Commander of Ordnance Company A and the Ross Volunteers. He graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
Following college Arno went into active duty with the US Army as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Ordnance Corps. Upon his release he held various jobs in his field of Mechanical Engineering. He remained active in the Army Reserves, attaining the rank of Major before his resignation in 1966.
In 1966 Arno was hired by Mr. McKenna to the position of Chief Engineer at Mission Valley Mills. He represented Mission Valley Mills in the construction of the Iselin Plant, and following the start up, supervised the engineering and maintenance of both plants and their infrastructure- including the design of several machines.
In 1973 he bought into the family auto business- Becker Motor Company, and in 1989 became the Senior Operating Partner. He held this position until the business was sold in 2002. While active in the automobile industry he served on Chrysler and Dodge Advertising Associations and Chrysler and Dodge Dealer Councils.
A proud New Braunfels resident, Arno served in many capacities in the community. He was appointed to the board of McKenna Memorial Hospital in 1976 and served until the sale of the hospital in 2008, including in the capacity of Chairman of the Board. He also served as Director of the Chamber of Commerce for several years and was elected to the Hall of Honor in 1987. Arno and his father, Walter were the first father/ son duo in the Hall of Honor. He was appointed to the Board of the New Braunfels Utilities in 1981 and was elected President of the Board in 1986. Arno was a long time member of the New Braunfels Noon Lions Club and Elks Lodge. Always proud of his German heritage- Arno was a member of the Wurstfest Association since 1974 and was named Grosse Opa in 1993 and Opa Emeritus in 1994.
Arno was elected to the New Braunfels City Council in 1988 and served 2 years. In 1990 he was elected Mayor of the City of New Braunfels and served until 1991.
In 2008 Arno was honored to be named as a Living Legend of New Braunfels by the Braunfels Foundation Trust. A true honor granted to a man who so loved his community and the city he called home. Arno was also named as a Distinguished Alumnus of New Braunfels High School.
An active member of St Paul Lutheran Church, Arno was baptized and confirmed there and was a lifelong member for his 93 years.
Arno is survived by his loving and dedicated wife, Jimmie (Brown) Becker. He was honored to be father to her daughters Kathy Dacy (spouse Pat) and Jemme Steinberger (spouse Clark). He was a proud father to them and his sons Chris Becker (spouse Angela) & Blair Becker (spouse Terri) and daughter Sherri Owen (spouse Robin, deceased). He was blessed with four grandsons- Ryan Owen, Devin Owen (spouse Carrie), Trey Owen and Kirby Becker (spouse Clara) and three granddaughters- Brittany Buckner, Sarah Sicola (spouse Michael), and Kaitlyn Blanchard. These grandchildren have blessed him with a total of eight great grandchildren, and all loved their Opie very much.
Arno lived a life full of love, joy, and service to his family and community. He touched many lives throughout his long life and we are all better for having known him.
Memorial service to be held Monday, April 1st at 2pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church in New Braunfels. Visitation with the family will begin at 1pm. Private burial to follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to St Paul Lutheran Church, New Braunfels charities, or a charity of your choice.
Services
Family Gathering: Monday, April 1, 2024 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
St. Paul Lutheran Church
777 W. San Antonio St.
New Braunfels, TX 78130
830.625.9191
www.nbstpaul.org
Memorial Service: Monday, April 1, 2024 2:00 pm
St. Paul Lutheran Church
777 W. San Antonio St.
New Braunfels, TX 78130
830.625.9191
www.nbstpaul.org
It was a long good drive daddy!
You lived life to the fullest in spite of health concerns at times. You fought back through all of those. You and Opie left deep footprints in the soil of New Braunfels. GOD speed.
I look back and remember all of the good times that my brothers and I had staying at your house. You helped turn me into an avid reader. You also helped to inspire my love of driving and science fiction. You helped to teach me the value of hard work and honesty. You were among the first to hold my eldest son, Mason, after he was born. I’m glad that all three of my boys got to meet you when we were last in Texas. The world was a brighter place from your presence. You will be sorely missed by us all. I love you, Opie.
Definitely wonderful memories from my childhood visiting Omie & Opie with my brothers! The trips to schliterbahn, enjoying Wurstfest, going to Landa Park, bugging Opie & Uncle Bubba @ the dealership, etc. Miss you, Opie! You will always be an inspiration to me with everything you’ve accomplished in your life. Please rest in peace🙏🏻🪦 See you on the other side someday. Love you!
A sweet man!
We are very sorry for the loss of Arno. May the Lord hold you all in His loving arms during this time of grief. Our prayers are with you.
I was very close to Arno Becker, belonged to the same wonderful church, St. Paul Lutheran in New Braunfels, I always looked forward to seeing him at late service and always got his special hug, I will never forget this wonderful Christian man. Love you, Arno, may you rest in peace.
My thoughts and prayers are with you & your family now & in the days to come.
I’m so very to hear about this jimmy. He will be so missed.
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His dedication to his family and friends knew no bounds. Opie was a pillar of strength and support, always there to offer a listening ear, a helping hand, or a word of encouragement. His selflessness and generosity touched the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark on all who crossed his path.
In the tapestry of life, Opie’s threads were woven with integrity, humility, and grace. He lived each day with purpose and passion, leaving a legacy of love and kindness that will endure through the ages. His unwavering commitment to goodness and decency serves as a guiding light for us all, a reminder of the true power of compassion and empathy.
As we bid farewell to Opie, we find solace in the knowledge that his spirit will live on in the countless lives he touched. Though he may no longer walk among us, his memory will be a source of comfort and inspiration in the days, months, and years to come.
Rest in peace, dear Opie. Your memory will forever be cherished, your legacy forever honored. May you find eternal peace and solace in the arms of the angels, knowing that you were deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. Until we meet again, may your spirit soar free and your light continue to shine bright.
Kathy, I just saw the notice of your fathers passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. <
Jimmie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We have missed having you and Arno as close neighbors.
Gene and Joanne Tschoepe