Radleigh Becker

MADISON- Radleigh Val Becker died on December 4, 2013 at Oakwood Village West in Madison. Rad was born in Joliet, IL on April 26, 1933, graduated from Joliet Township High School, Joliet Junior College, Elmhurst College ( B.S. in Chemistry ), UW-Madison (M.S. in Biochemistry) . He worked at Argonne National Laboratory, U.W. Madison and the WI State Laboratory of Hygiene, where he was the first chemist hired to administer the PKU Laboratory Certification Program after state law mandated such testing on newborns.

He sang in choirs in high school and college and was a long-time member of the Madison Symphony Chorus, earning the title of Poet Laureate of the Chorus. His avid interest in railroads involved him in ProRail, National and WI Association of Railroad Passengers, National Model Railroad Association, (NMRA), South Central Division of the NMRA, Midwest High Speed Rail Association, Mid-Continent Railway Historical Society and opened doors during the many travels of him and Susan, his wife of 44 years, his HO scale model railroad layout was many years in the making. He also was active in Madison Breakfast Optimist Club, Four Lakes Postcard Club, American Topical Association, The Friendship Force of WI, Dane County United Nations Association, Madison Friends of International Students, and Technical Club of Madison.

Rad was active at Christ Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon, elder, committee chair, choir member and church historian. He also volunteered with the WI State Historical Society Museum and the American Red Cross.

He is remembered as a caring husband, loving uncle, reliable friend, his commitment to justice and through his writing, he made others chuckle and think.

Survivors include his wife, Susan (Lawson) Becker of Madison, brother John Becker of Joliet, IL, nieces Teresa Pelletier of Batavia, IL, and Judy West of Aledo,IL, as well as cousins and grand nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Becker and Dortha Leone (Houtz) Becker and sister, Beverly Johnson.

The family gratefully thanks his many medical providers, the staff at Hebron Oaks at Oakwood Village West and UW Hospital, Hospice and many friends.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Christ Presbyterian Church, The Madison Breakfast Optimist Club, or Mid-Continent Railway Historical Society.

A Funeral service will be held at CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 944 East Gorham Street, Madison, on Friday, December 13, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. A visitation will be held at church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.