Meet Joe and Kathy Becker

A graduate of Marquette University and Worsham School of Mortuary Science, Chicago, Joe Becker followed a long and rich history in the funeral profession started by Grandfather Joseph Henry Becker in 1901. Joe's father and uncles preceded him in the business and in 1974, Joe established Becker Ritter. The firm was the recipient of the prestigious Pursuit of Excellence Award from the National Funeral Directors Association, and has been a leading Milwaukee Funeral Home following in the footsteps of his grandfather.

Over the years, Joe has been extremely active in community organizations and the arts including serving as President of the Brookfield Rotary Club, the Elmbrook Hospital Foundation, Sharon Lynne Wilson Center For the Arts, Wisconsin Riders and Exhibitors Association, and serving on the Boards of Channel 10/36 Friends, Haggerty Art Museum at Marquette University, Milwaukee Art Museum-West, Milwaukee Ballet, and St. Camillus Foundation. He has been involved with many other organizations including serving as Co-Chair of the Elm Grove 4th of July festival, St. Mary’s Church-Elm Grove Stewardship Committee and Vice President of the Parish Council. Joe has also been on the Board at Equitable Bank since 1991.

Whether it involves a painting project around the house, trimming a tree or gardening, Joe loves being active. In addition to being outdoors, he enjoys photography and scrapbooking. Both he and Kathy also share a passion for antiquing, architecture, decorating and taking long walks. Joe is especially fond of horses having been involved his entire life with American Saddlebred Horses of which he has a deep appreciation for every aspect, especially training. There's never a dull moment.

Kathy Becker previously served as the Vice-President and Business Operations Director of Becker Ritter Funeral Home. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Indiana University. Her career includes public school instruction and real estate consulting to the Corps of Engineers, responsible for overseeing the transfer of government lands to the private sector in a four-state area. Kathy is a long time member of the Elmbrook Rotary Club, serving on the Community Service Committee, with a special dedication to tutoring and the educational needs of children.

With deep appreciation of the positive impact culture and the arts contribute to a society, Kathy has embraced the creation of the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts as she served as co-chair of the Community Capital Campaign and subsequently served as a Board member. Over the years, Kathy has also served as a Board member of the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce and was recognized as the "Business Person of the Year" in 2002. Kathy was also co-chair of the Elm Grove 4th of July Fun Fest and past co-chair of the Channel 10/36 Public Television auction.

In her spare time, Kathy enjoys a variety of activities including reading both fiction and non-fiction, and exercise, including taking long walks. Together with Joe, they share a love of art, design and decorating by frequenting art galleries and antique shops. In particular, they enjoy learning about the history behind the antiques. Kathy also enjoys cooking classes and learning about the various herbs and spices that add unique flavors to a dish. She and Joe enjoy getaways to Chicago and spending time with family in Louisville, where her family still resides.