Stephen Lee Becvar (June 24, 1939 to March 26, 2015) has taken his place in heaven and will be missed dearly by his wife, children, grandchildren, and many friends.

He was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in December 2014, and he lived out his final months in his Florida home with a humble, faithful heart, good sense of humor, spending time with family and friends.

In his final days, his wife and all his children and grandchildren were by his side loving and praying for him. After he took his final breath, it rained for a few minutes, then one loud clap of thunder was heard, and then the sun came out. He made it to his heavenly home. No more pain, no more suffering. Alleluia!

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Stephen Becvar was born on June 24, 1939, in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Joseph and Anastasia (Janecek)  Becvar. Stephen graduated from South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. He served as an officer and helicopter pilot in the US Army for four years, stationed at Fort Wolters in Mineral Wells, Texas, where he met his wife. He was united in marriage to Bettie Cooke on Jan. 25, 1963. After living in Texas, they moved to Nebraska and then to Minnesota. Stephen and his family moved to Hayfield, Minnesota, and started Century Plastics Inc. in 1972.

Stephen was a very humble community servant who was very involved in many organizations and boards, including American Legion and Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Stephen liked to help people and make the world a better place. His hobbies included fishing, woodworking, cleaning ditches, playing cards, singing, making people laugh, volunteering and spending time with family.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Bettie Cooke Becvar of Hayfield, Minnesota. His children, James (Bonnie) Becvar of Hayfield; Myra (Randy) Burkhardt of Rockland, Wisconsin; Theresa Booms of Brownsdale, Minnesota; William (Anastasia) Becvar of Apopka, Florida; and eight grandchildren: Tyler and Tanner Becvar, Jason and Kali Burkhardt, Jacob and Madison Booms, and Gabriel and Grace Becvar.

He is preceded in death by his parents, grandson Timothy John, and brother Gene.

Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, April 24 at Czaplewski Family Funeral Home, 501 Second Street NW, Hayfield, MN and one hour before the service at the church on Saturday. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 25, 2015, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 150 2nd Street NE Hayfield, MN.

Memorials can be sent to one of the following or a charity of your choice: Cornerstone Hospice, 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, FL 32778-9983. Donation information (888)728-6234. One Day Church (www. Maranatha.org) Mail donations to Maranatha Volunteers International, 990 Reserve Drive, Suite 100, Roseville, CA 95678.