Joel Christopher Becker (83 years), loving husband to Ruth, brother to Juliana (Heyne), father to Deborah McClean (Christian) (Donald), David McClean (JoAnne), Rodney McClean (Patricia), and Joy Becker, grandfather of 6 and great grandfather of 6, passed peacefully to his eternal rest on February 11th, 2026.

 A man of strong faith, Joel spent his life in the service of God through teaching and music at Lutheran congregations in York (PA), Baltimore (MD), Edina (MN), Cedarburg (WI), Elgin (IL), and Winston-Salem (NC). Born in Napoleon, Ohio and raised in Chicago and Baltimore, Joel loved nothing more than watching his students excel. For more than 45 years, he instilled a love and appreciation of music and literature in people of all ages. Through his detailed connection of music to liturgy, he provided a rich worship experience that fostered a deeper connection to God for many. He would want all to feel as certain as he did that through grace alone “I know that my Redeemer liveth."