William Becker '70

The Life and Legacy of Dr. Bill Becker

 

Early Years at MA and the University of Minnesota

Dr. Bill Becker, a proud alumnus of Minnehaha Academy's Class of 1970, attended the school from 9th to 12th grade. He often spoke fondly of his English teacher, Flora Sedgwick, and his German teacher, Herr Kauls. A highlight of his time at Minnehaha was a memorable trip to Germany with Herr Kauls and his German class. He cherished the memory of receiving a favorite fondue recipe from a family he stayed with during that trip. Bill deeply valued the excellent education he received at Minnehaha Academy.

A lifelong fan of the Gophers, Bill continued his education at the University of Minnesota, where he earned his BA, MD, and PhD, and completed his surgery residency. It was at a University of Minnesota lab that he met his wife, Pat, with whom he shared 48 years of marriage.

A Distinguished Career in Surgery, Research and Education

Bill had a distinguished career, marked by service to his country, advancements in the field of surgery, and a dedication to educating future surgeons. In 1983, he joined the U.S. Army, specializing in general surgery and surgical critical care at various Army hospitals. His military career took him, Pat, and their daughters, Amy and Anna, to Leavenworth, Kansas; El Paso, Texas; and San Antonio, Texas.

At Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Bill served as a surgeon in the Burn Unit and as the Critical Care Residency Program Director at the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, a leading organization for casualty care research and emergency response. In 1989, following a pipeline explosion in the then-Soviet Union that injured hundreds, President Bush sent the Army Burn Unit to Russia, and Bill led the burn team. The following year, in 1990, he deployed to Saudi Arabia during the first Gulf War, where he was awarded a Bronze Star for his meritorious service.

Throughout his career, Bill was also a respected researcher, co-authoring numerous articles on critical care and burn surgery. He earned his Ph.D. in 1993, became a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and received a Bush Medical Fellowship.

Bill retired from the Army with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and moved to Grand Forks, North Dakota, embarking on a rewarding phase of his career as an educator of new surgeons. At the University of North Dakota, he served as Professor of Surgery and Program Director of the Surgery Residency Program. Later, Bill took on leadership roles as Chief of Staff at both the Sioux Falls and Fargo VA hospitals. In Fargo, he also served as Director of Surgery Specialty Care. His commitment to his field and the surgical community was so strong that he continued to attend weekly care review conferences well into his retirement.

Life at Home and as a Boppa

Bill and Pat warmly welcomed two foreign exchange students into their home, Alexander from Russia and Ante from Norway, each for a school year. They developed wonderful relationships with both young men, and Bill was able to attend both of their weddings. Notably, Alexander and Ante each sent a note that was read at Bill’s memorial service.

Twenty-seven years ago, Bill and Pat moved to Lake Park, Minnesota, and spent their winters in Naples, Florida. Bill's passions included fishing at a cabin he co-owned with friends near Lynn Lake, Manitoba, and traveling extensively across the globe to places like China, Argentina, India, New Zealand, the Cook Islands, and throughout Europe and Scandinavia. He also enjoyed pheasant hunting, making fondue, pontooning, learning Finnish, and relaxing under the Florida sun. In his final years, his granddaughter affectionately christened him "Boppa," a role he particularly cherished.

Bill passed away too soon, on March 11, 2025, at the age of 72.

By Nicole Sheldon and Amy Becker (Bill’s daughter)