Mary Jo Becker, age 91, of New Prague, died peacefully on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at her home at Praha Village. She was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1933, in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Anthony and Catherine (Heiring) Dunn. She graduated from Marshalltown High School and went on to attend college. She went to work as an administrative assistant at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, where she met a young GI. It was during the Cold War, and both had high security ratings, so they had a bit of "navigating the system" to find out about each other. It didn't deter them, and they were married on October 18, 1958, in Marshalltown, IA. Tragedy would strike for Mary Jo, when Paul died suddenly in 1980, leaving her to raise their two young children on her own.
Her strength and determination became a cornerstone of her life. She carried on with independence and always a "can-do" attitude. Mary Jo was naturally outgoing, making friends easily wherever she went and was always the first to volunteer whenever a need arose. Once her children were in school, she had many part-time jobs that aligned with her interests. She was the friendly face that greeted people at Curves, the New Prague Golf Club, Hairchitects, and Creeksbend.
She had boundless energy, and had a natural athleticism, showing that gift in golfing, bowling, and softball. It was a challenge to keep up with Mary Jo on her walks around town with her quick gait but she was always willing to stop for a chat. She was small but mighty and her feisty personality made her a woman who said what she meant and meant what she said! Always a good listener, Mary Jo's imparted wisdom was treasured by friends and family. She loved to play Euchre, was an avid reader, and made a mean chocolate chip cookie! She was loved and will be sadly missed by all who were blessed to have known her.
Mary Jo is survived by her daughter, Lynn (Nate) Girard of New Prague; son, Christopher (Janice) Becker of Plymouth; grandchildren, Julia (Kyle) Jero of Madison, WI, and Steven Girard (Jessica Faust) of Madison, WI; great-grandchildren, Eleanor and Beckett; sisters-in-law, Shirley Dunn of Clear Lake, IA & Mary Fran Dunn of Burbank, CA. She is preceded in death by her husband, Paul on November 6, 1980; siblings, Patricia King, Richard & Dennis Dunn, Monica Carroll.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held, Friday, December 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Eugene Theisen officiating. Visitation will take place that morning at Bruzek Funeral Home from 8:30-10:30. Lunch will follow Mass at the New Prague Golf Club. Private family burial will occur at Calvary Cemetery in Northfield.
