Clifford Ivan Becker Jr. died unexpectedly while visiting family in California on Dec. 30, 2023. Born on Jan. 17, 1961, in Oak Park, he divided his time between the suburbs and the family farm in Amboy, Illinois. He loved the outdoors, fishing, and hunting and the closeness of the farming community. He loved sitting in the Sublette Café with his Uncle Melvin, swapping jokes while eating donuts.
A graduate of Oak Park and River Forest High School, he was active in Boy Scouts Explorers and at St. Giles Catholic Church. His passion for agriculture prompted him to earn a degree in animal science from Western Illinois University which parlayed into a 39-year career. He served as executive vice president at Farm Journal for 10 years and held a 23-year position with Vance Publishing as senior vice president & publishing director for their food 360 Division. At the time of his passing, he was vice president of New Campus Development for the American Royal.
Honored with several industry awards, he was a nationally recognized speaker and served on several boards, including vice president of the Agriculture Advisory Board at Western Illinois.
He was passionate about the farm he purchased in Edwardsville, Kansas, his 25 head of cattle and his horse, Levi. He took farm-to-table literally to Cliff, and admired the people who raise and grow our nation’s food. Most of all, he was passionate about his family and embraced everyone he met with generosity, empathy, wisdom, and a wicked sense of humor.
Cliff is predeceased by his parents, Clifford Ivan Becker Sr. and Patricia Ann Becker. He is survived by his wife Kristine; his son, Ivan (19); his daughter, Ruby (12); and three siblings, John Becker, Kate Chomko and Justin Becker. He was the uncle, cousin, mentor, colleague, and best friend to many.