Bruce Melvin Becker

Bruce Melvin Becker passed away May 1, 2023. Bruce was born November 15, 1966 in Choteau to Sandra Jean Weisgram. Bruce was a special blessing to his mom, Grandpa Melvin, Grandma Eljo, and his aunts and uncles. He was joined by his brother Ron when he was 2. In 1971, Pat Becker came into this family of 3, making it a family of 4, and raised the boys as his own. Growing up, Bruce and his brother Ron had a special bond, were thick as thieves, and as their dad said “if one of them didn’t think of something to do, the other one did”. Sister Robin joined the family, and Bruce was a great big brother to her. When she was a baby, Bruce would feed her and rock her so their mom could make dinner. In his younger years, Bruce enjoyed camping trips, and trips to Melstone to visit family and fish in the Mussellshell River. Bruce played baseball, football, and wrestled in Junior high and High School.

Bruce married Chris Innocci, and they had a son, Dustin Patrick, born on January 31, 1990. Bruce was enamored by his son, and couldn’t wait to get home to hold him, even though he was tired and dirty from working at the tire shop. Dustin was the biggest joy in his life.

Bruce worked for Conrad Tire, Tri-Cementers, and Ernie Ritts at Gallatin scales. He also worked for a roofing contractor in Butte, and a fencing contractor. Bruce was always described as a hard worker. When he worked for Ernie, they would go to a scale site and there would be a pit with old water, dead critters, and a nasty mess. Ernie said no one would jump in to clean it out except for Bruce.  Bruce loved to work, especially when he was able to be outside.

In his last few years of life, Bruce’s health issues limited him from working as hard as he wanted. He filled his time with wood carving, tinkering on vehicles and in the yard, taking care of his chickens and cats, cleaning up saddles and oiling them, and he had a very green thumb, and his houseplants flourished. He also enjoyed spending time with his family.  In the last year of his mother’s life, Bruce adjusted his schedule to sit up with her late at night and watch TV so she wasn’t doing it alone.

Bruce had many special friends, and would help them or anyone who needed a hand. He was known to have a smile for everyone he met. Bruce will be remembered for being a hard worker, a good friend to all, and someone with a heart of gold.

Bruce was preceded in death by his mom, Sandi Becker, his grandparents Melvin and Eljo Weisgram and Gordon and Bessie Becker, and numerous aunts and uncles.

Bruce is survived by his dad, Pat Becker, his son, Dustin (Monica) VandenBos, his brother, Ron Becker, his sister Robin Sanders (Michael Thola), nephews Samuel Becker, Layne Becker, Tyler Sanders, and Holden Cunnington, and niece Lakota Becker. He is also survived by aunt Mary Sue Pfeifle, uncle Ron Pfeifle, and aunt Bessie Keeler, and many cousins. He is also survived by his many friends whom he considered family.

A memorial gathering will be held in the near future. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, a local animal shelter, or the charity of your choice.