Irmgard Marie Becher

Irmgard (Irm) Becher passed away 94 years young at her private residence where she lived independently until she entered heaven on Saturday, August 13, 2022. Irm was born on July 14, 1928, to Friedrich and Martha (Struck) Hischke, the third child of nine and grew up on the family farm in Suring, WI. After graduating Suring High School in 1945, she moved to Milwaukee for nursing school. She worked the night shift at Milwaukee Lutheran Children’s Home where she loved rocking babies. She married Alfred Becher in 1954 after meeting him through friends. They resided in New Holstein until 1962, at which time they relocated to Grafton, WI where they raised their two sons, Tom and Glenn.  

Irm cherished the time she had to stay home with the boys until they entered school. She returned to third shift work at Sprague Electric from 1975-1981, and then Solvay from 1982 to 1994 so she could be home during the day. She was a hard-working, dedicated mother. Irm and Al lived in Grafton until 1995 when they dropped everything to follow their granddaughters to the Oshkosh – Neenah area. You would find her black grand AM parked at her granddaughter’s bus stop waiting to pick them up on any rainy school day in the late 90’s. Her home was a magical place for her granddaughters growing up. Irm was a best friend and confidant to both, and they still have so much to tell her.  

Irmgard Becher was a trailblazer in her own way. She was a strong woman of faith but did not believe hate or exclusion belonged in the church. Her voice did not crack standing up for herself or others. In her later years, she would prefer reading her bible and listening to hymns at home. In the early 70’s, she was one of the first women to open her own bank account when allowed despite her husband’s objection. She knew how to balance a check book and for the next 50 years she would prove herself right. When her granddaughter got engaged, she said, “Congratulations, Keep your own money.”  

Irm was a child of The Great Depression who grew up to be the wife of a WWII veteran. She lived on little means in order to use her money to help others. She averaged 3-5 novels a week and thrived off understanding other people’s experiences. She took the city bus to volunteer twice a week well into her 80’s after voluntarily giving up her license. Her main focus seemed to be on charities for children and disabled veterans. Irm was always working on something for someone and was never afraid to pull her checkbook out. She was pure gold. 

Irm is further survived by her sons, Thomas (Kathy) Becher and Glenn Becher. Her granddaughters, Dana Becher, and Nicole Becher (Ben Zahorik) and great-grandsons; Paul and Jack Zahorik. Her sister Ruth and brother Paul (Lynn).  She is preceded in death by her husband and her parents; her beloved sisters Mona (late Fred) and Margaret (late Raymond) whom she will be running to see first, her brothers Karl (late Vila), Martin (Eleanor), Waldemar (Anita), and Roland (late Helen), her brother-in-law Ronald Becher, and her nephews Stan and Joel. The cost of living to 94 years old was having to watch too many she loved pass away. Her family takes comfort in knowing she will not have to lose anyone else.  

We will remember her watering flowers on her patio, having empathy for those facing tough times, and playing catch in the living room with her great-grandson. We will remember her smile, a candid sense of humor, and a heart bigger than this world.  

A “Celebration of Life” service for Irmgard will be held at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home Westside (100 Lake Pointe Drive) on Friday, September 23, 2022, at 11 AM. A visitation will take place from 10 AM until the time of service. 

Special thank you to Sara Hartman, APNP and Wendy Krueger, MA who were always happy to see Irm and provided her with great care until the end.