Mitchell “Mitch” Becker, 52 year old resident of Pierz, Minn., formerly of New York Mills, passed away on Wednesday, October 14 in the arms of his loving wife at his home with his sons by his side. A funeral service will be held Friday, October 23 at 1 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in New York Mills with Pastor Kirk Douglas. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, October 22 at Holy Trinity Catholic School In Pierz, Minn. A time of sharing service will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday evening at the school. Visitation will continue from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church in New York Mills. The burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in New York Mills. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Pierz Legion Baseball Park, a testament to the sport that brought so many good things to Mitch and Brenda, and to his commitment to the Pierz community.

Mitch was born on February 9, 1974 in Fridley, Minn., to Kenneth and Rebecca (Dorenbush) Becker. He grew up in New York Mills, where he graduated with the class of 1992. Mitch’s journey through education led him to Brainerd Community College and Mayville State University, where he earned an Elementary Education degree. On June 28, 1997, Mitch married the love of his life, Brenda Peterson at Trinity Lutheran Church in New York Mills. Together, they built a beautiful home and surrounded it with a forest that he planted in Pierz, Minn., where they raised their three beloved sons, Cavin, Cale, and Chase. Mitch had a passion for teaching and coaching, which was evident throughout his life.  He was an elementary teacher at Holy Trinity Catholic School and he dedicated his time to mentoring youth athletes in softball, wrestling, and baseball.  He later was a very proud business owner that he started from the ground up with Brenda, operating Becker Screen Printing and Design, The Clothesline, as well as their additional business The Lion’s Den in Royalton. He was able to use his skill as an artist to support his family.  Mitch’s heart was full of love for his family, and he cherished moments in the woods with them at the hunting land north of New York Mills,  planting trees and food plots at the Skunk Lake property, or at their cabin on Camp Lake. He had a deep love for nature and enjoyed hunting, particularly bowhunting and turkey hunting, often sharing these experiences with not just his boys, but with other youth wanting to learn the sport. Mitch’s dedication to his community was unwavering. He coached youth teams in baseball and wrestling and played a vital role in establishing the first Pierz High School Trap Team. Even after his own kids finished participating, he continued to invest in the lives of young athletes, reinforcing his belief in the importance of mentorship and support.  His volunteer coaching quickly turned into a lifelong calling of the heart. Mitch grew to love his players deeply, claiming them all ‘his boys.’ His dedication to them extended far beyond the mat or the diamond; he loved them for who they were and who they were becoming. 

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Brenda Becker of Pierz, Minn., Cavin (Marli) Becker of Sabin, MN, Cale Becker of Hillman, Minn. and Chase Becker of Pierz; parents, Kenneth and Rebecca Becker of New York Mills; sister, Michelle (Rod) Marsh of New York Mills; nephews, Brandon (Tracy) Marsh of Perham,  and Ethan (Rachel) Marsh of Dent; and 6 great-nieces and nephews,  mother-in-law, Lynn (Ron) Krugerud of Zimmerman, Minn.; father-in-law, James Peterson, Jr, of Baxter, Minn.; sisters-in-law, Lisa (Paul Undersander) Braaten of Maple Grove, Tina (Brad) Lake of Sauk Centre, Minn. and Jennifer (Andrew) Hanson of Otsego, Minn. and 9 nieces, nephews and extended family members, friends, and friends who grew to be like brothers.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lou and Joyce Dorenbush and Henry and Charlotte Becker; uncles, Dave Duchene, Ron Dorenbush; aunt, Pam Eastlund and a stepmother-in-law, Debra Peterson.

Mitch’s enthusiasm, kindness, and his deep gratitude for life’s simple moments will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He leaves behind a legacy of love and service that will continue to inspire those around him.

Emblom Brenny Funeral Service is honored to help celebrate the life of Mitch Becker.