Patrick James Becker, age 79 of Rice Lake, WI, died Tuesday, August 26, 2025 in Duluth, MN. Patrick James Becker was born on March 16, 1946 to Ireen and James Kennedy in Shell Lake on March 16, 1946. After his father’s death, he and his mother moved to Rice Lake where he spent the majority of his life. As a kid, he could always be found with a fishing pole in his hand. He cherished the time spent with his grandpa and grandma, Herm and Alice Williams and spending time at the cattle sales barn and Barron pool hall. He graduated from RLHS in 1964 and attended Teachers’ College in Rice Lake before joining the Air Force. He was stationed in Minot, ND and then served as a jet mechanic in Vietnam. He was then stationed in Clovis, NM. After discharge, Pat earned his teaching degree from UW-Stout. He married Linda Broten on October 18, 1969 at New Scandinavia Lutheran Church in Dallas. Together they raised two sons, Eric and Ryan.

Pat taught auto mechanics and drivers education at Rice Lake High School for nearly 30 years. With help from good friends, he and Linda designed and built their log house and garage on Stump Lake. In 1967, Pat purchased his beloved cabin north of Solon Springs where he pursued a passion for deer hunting. Always a teacher and mentor, he taught many friends and family members how to hunt in the ‘big woods’. He was an avid lover of local history and enjoyed visiting historic logging camps. Pat loved fishing walleye, and was named Mr. Walleye in the Wednesday Night Walleye League. Pat had a passion for motorsports. He started racing stock cars at 15 driving a 1950 Ford. Over his career, he raced in several states and Canada, running stock cars, modifieds, and late models, but his passion was for sprint cars. The pinnacle of his career was running with the World of Outlaws and competing in the 1988 Knoxville Nationals driving for Dennis Denotter. He drove the pace truck at the Rice Lake Speedway and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022. He will forever be remembered as a teacher and friend. Pat unselfishly devoted his life to helping others, always ready to lend a hand with anyone who asked. He influenced hundreds of students, many of whom ended up turning wrenches or driving race cars. ‘Big Pat’ was an iconic resident of Rice Lake, known for his smart mouth, overalls and old red Ford pickup. He will leave a legacy for many.

He is preceded in death by his mother Ireen and step father Ben Karlgaard, and father James Kennedy. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Linda, sons Eric (Kathy) and Ryan, four grandchildren-Tasha, AJ (Malayna), Allie, and Annie, bonus granddaughter Jaymie (Eric) and two (soon to be three) great-grandchildren- Elijah Poulter and Blakelyn Becker Brothers and sisters by marriage, Merv (Sue) Broten, Ardelle (Don) Dawson, Luanne (Ron) Goblin, and Rick (Chris) Broten.

Visitation will be held from 4-7PM Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI, with interment in the New Scandinavia Lutheran Cemetery in Hillsdale, WI on Thursday, September 4 at 11AM, Rev. Sara Feld officiating and Full Military Rites accorded him by the Rice Lake Veteran Honor Guard.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to the Rice Lake Area Scholarship Foundation.

Last Update: Aug 29, 2025 9:40 am CDT