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Visitation:
February 18, 2026, from 10 - 11 a.m. at St. Peter
Lutheran Church in Emden
Service:
February 18, 2026, from at 11:00 a.m. at the church.
Funeral home:
Davis-Oswald Funeral Home, Delavan, IL
Obituary
Darline Mae Becker,
96, of Emden, Illinois, passed away peacefully on
February 12, 2026, surrounded by family.
Darline was born on January 24, 1930, in Emden,
Illinois, to William and Lily (Hilgendorf) Barry.
She was baptized on March 2, 1930, and confirmed on
April 18, 1943, at St. Peter Lutheran Church — the
same church where she later married Dean G. Becker
on October 17, 1948. Together, they built a life
centered on faith, family, and hard work. Dean
preceded her in death in 1995.
Darline was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and
homemaker. She and Dean were blessed with two
children, Barry and Barbara. She was preceded in
death by her beloved son, Barry Becker.
She loved gardening and took great pride in caring
for her home and family. Nothing brought her more
joy than time spent with those she loved — whether
around a card table, out on girls’ day adventures,
or sharing Friday night meals with her cherished
“Golden Girls.”
A lifelong and active member of St. Peter Lutheran
Church in Emden, Darline’s faith remained steady and
strong throughout her 96 years. She faithfully
attended services, supported her church community,
and found comfort and purpose within its walls. She
was also a dedicated member of the Lions Club,
joining in 1957. She belonged to the San Jose and
Emden card clubs and was part of a walking group of
dear friends for more than 30 years. She was also a
longtime fan of the Hartsburg-Emden Stags, and she
and her dear friend, Lula Belle, rarely missed a
game.
She is survived by her daughter, Barbara (Gregory)
Cross of San Jose; her grandchildren, Jim Cross of
Highland, Jennifer Cross (Nathan Walters) of
Highland, Jean (Troy) Meinershagen of Lincoln, and
Joni (Jerry) Oneal of Bloomington; her
great-grandchildren, Kyle and Logan (Aalajia)
Blankley, Adisyn Walters, and Dean, Madison, and
Maci Meinershagen; and her
great-great-granddaughter, Lyvvia Blankley. She is
also survived by extended family and friends who
will cherish her memory.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dean G.
Becker; her son, Barry Becker; her parents; her
sister, Ramona Groves; her brother-in-law, Jim
Groves; her brother, Allen Barry; her sister-in-law,
Lula Belle Barry; and her nephews, Russell Barry and
Rex Groves. |
Darline lived a life of steady
faith, quiet strength, and enduring love. Though she will be
deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing she is at
rest and reunited with those who have gone before her.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026,
from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Peter Lutheran Church in
Emden, with funeral services following at 11:00 am. Burial
will follow at Green Hill Cemetery in San Jose. Arrangements
have been entrusted to Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Delavan.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Emden Fire
and Rescue, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or St. Peter
Lutheran Church. |
