Mrs. Becker, along with her husband and son, was a co-owner of Becker’s Corner Tavern in Smithton, IL, for many years, and was a member of the Illinois Licensed Beverage Association. She spent many years working for Dr. Gephart. Jolene was also involved in the Becker Floor Covering business.
An active member of the Smithton Community, Jolene was a member of the Smithton Women’s Club, the Smithton Commercial Club, and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Jolene and her husband, Virgil, loved to travel the world, including trips to Spain, Germany, Africa, and Portugal. In later years, they enjoyed many family trips on the lake in Branson, MO. Jolene had a kind heart for all, but especially for the children of Smithton. She was very proud of her home and kept it meticulous.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Jody Kay Becker; her father, Ralph Gottschammer; a sister, Jacqueline Mae Gottschammer; four brothers-in-law, Kenneth Becker, Melvin Becker, Harold Becker, and Charlie Mulkey; and a sister-in-law, Betty Becker.
Surviving are her husband of 64 years, Virgil Becker, whom she married on June 17, 1954;
three sons, Randy (Rhea) Becker of Smithton, IL, Danny Jo (Michelle) Becker of Smithton, IL, and Dustin (Robin) Becker of Flagstaff, AZ;
a daughter, Dawn Marie Becker (Lloyd) Schenewerk of Imperial, MO;
her mother, Laveda, nee Collins, Gottschammer of Fayetteville, IL;
a daughter-in-law, Sue Becker of Smithton, IL;
three grandsons, Phillip (Julie) Becker of Belleville, IL, Derek Mueth of Padderborn, IL, and Zach Schenewerk of Orlando, FL;
six granddaughters, Melissa Marie (Turner) Thompson of Imperial, MO, Aimee Jo (Turner) Griffen of Union, MO, Kristi Kay (Turner) Zerban of Belleville, IL, Jan Becker (Jeff) Dudowski Jr. of Smithton, IL, JoJo Lee (Pete) Thompson Jr. of Hollywood, FL, and Hannah Schenewerk of Freeburg, IL;
nine great-grandchildren, Caillou Hernandez, Grace Hernandez, Jefferie Wilson Jr., Brooklyn Wilson, Pete Thompson III, Parker Becker, Broden Becker, Brock Becker, and Jordan Dudowski;
two brothers, Ralph “Butch” (Sandra) Gottschammer of North Carolina, and Bob (Jo Ann) Gottschammer of Fayetteville, IL;
a sister, Donna Kay Holyfield of Louisiana;
brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jeanette Becker, Dora Becker, Sharon Mulkey, and Carol (Tom) Sneed;
nieces and nephews; cousins; and dear friends.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or to St. John the Baptist Catholic School, Smithton, IL. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, October 26, 2018, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, October 27, 2018, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Smithton, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 27, 2018, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Smithton, IL, with Fr. Stanley Konieczny officiating.
Burial will be at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Smithton, IL.