Richard Becker

Richard "Rich" Becker, age 84, resident of Grand Forks, died on Friday, October 16, 2026 at Valley Senior Living on Columbia.

Rich Becker was born and raised in Grand Forks, ND, and was a lifelong UND fan. He earned his degree there in 1964 and married the love of his life, Joanne, that same year. Together they raised three outstanding children: Keith (Kim Becker) of Grand Forks, Kathryn of Santa Fe, NM, and Karin (David Smith) of Colorado Springs, CO, and were blessed with seven grandchildren.

As an entrepreneur, Rich sought family-friendly opportunities. He and Joanne bought a fishing resort on Cass Lake, MN, in 1973, later owned a Mr. Steak franchise, and spent over 45 years in the oil, gas, and computer industries. Throughout his career leading petroleum software development, he traveled to 18 countries and moved his family to Canada and the United Kingdom.He later served as CEO of Bactee Systems, a Grand Forks environmental engineering firm.

Rich gave generously to his community. He served in the North Dakota House of Representatives, championing higher education and regional economic development, and chaired the Regional Airport Authority, expanding the Grand Forks airport. He helped merge the Grand Forks and East Grand Forks chambers, served as president of the UND Alumni Association, and sat on boards for UND’s Energy and Environmental Research Center and the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation. A strong man of faith, he mentored youth through various church boards.

Of all his accomplishments and passions, including earning both his pilot's and motorcycle license, nothing brought Rich more pride and joy than his family. As a devoted father and “Boppa,” he loved boating, downhill skiing, camping, and playing games with his kids and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne; three kids; seven grandchildren; brothers, Cole of Minneapolis and Reed of Alexandria, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stan and Lillian Becker of Grand Forks.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests Rich's friends to make a gift to one of his favorite organizations:

The Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation : 1611 East Century Ave, Suite 100, Bismarck, ND 58501

OR

East Walle Lutheran Church: 974 7th St. NE, Thompson, ND 58278

Visitation will be held at Amundson Funeral Home on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 4:00-5:00PM with a Prayer Service beginning at 5:00PM. A Funeral Service will be held at East Walle Lutheran Church on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 11:00am. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.