Mervyn. C. Becker, 92, of Sandstone, MN died on Friday, August 30, 2024, at his home. Mervyn was born March 14, 1932, in San Francisco, to Charles and Madeline Becker. He grew up in Hayward, California. Mervyn joined the United States Navy in 1951. He married the love of his life, La Verna Hearshman, on January 4, 1953. They were happily married for 71 years. Mervyn was a Korean War Veteran, attended Cal Poly where he received a bachelor degree in Animal Husbandry. They started their family, eventually having five children, Daniel, Kathleen, David, Jeanne and Mark.

Mervyn enjoyed training horses in Madera, CA. He went on to train a horse that won the Kentucky Derby in 1962. The family moved to Minnesota in 1972 where Mervyn worked on a ranch in Sandstone. Merv enjoyed volunteering his time in many areas of the community. He was a project manager and board member for his local 4-H group. Merv was an EMT for Sandstone for many years. He was a foster parent, helping many children through the years. He also volunteered as a foster Grandparent at East Central School's helping students. He enjoyed wood carving, fishing, gardening, horses, photography and cheering on the 49ers and the Vikings.

He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, La Verna (Hearshman) Becker. His children son Daniel M. Becker, wife Polly (Allen); Daughter Kathleen M. (Becker) Slama, husband Michael; Son David J. Becker, wife Rosemarie (Roth); Daughter Jeanne M. (Becker) Slama, husband David; Son Mark C. Becker, wife Aurea (Luces); Son Melvin Gibson; Daughter Kayleigh (Green) Johnson and husband David. Grandchildren Dan and Bradley Becker, Jerome Slama, Diana Ristamaki, Kristy Reville, Kevin Slama, Tanya Chrisoherson, Joanna Habdas, Brian Becker, Jeremiah, Kenneth, Theresa, and Jaimie Slama, Michael Rosa, Bud Gibson, Brandie Lopez, Jennifer Ron, Trisha McCasland, Tabitha Treece and many great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by parents Charles Becker and Madeline (Markley), and granddaughter Theresa Slama.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, September 6, 2024, at St. Luke Catholic Church in Sandstone with Fr. Joseph Sirba officiating. Visitation will be from 10 until 11 A.M. at the church. Burial will be at Spring Park Cemetery in Sandstone. Military Honors are being provided by the Sandstone Honor Guard.

Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services of Sandstone, MN.