Eli Henry Becht, Jr., 82, of Mecosta, MI passed away Monday, October 15, 2012. He was born on August 22, 1930, the son of Eli Henry and Mary Agnes (Ankofski) Becht, and grew up in Detroit, MI. After graduation from the University of Detroit High School in 1949, he served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged from the Army Reserve in 1957. He worked for many years as a heavy equipment operator, a member of the Operating Engineers Local 324. In 1954 Eli married Norma Ellen Kangas, and they lived and raised their family in Redford, MI. Eli was an avid gardener and a skilled woodworker. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, and traveling in the United States and Canada. After retirement Eli and Norma moved in 1990 to their home on Pretty Lake in Mecosta where he continued to pursue his interests. Eli was preceded in death by his wife Norma, his parents, and his brother George. He is survived by his daughter Mary Ellen (Steven) Perkins of Park Forest, IL; his sons Michael (Dorthea) Becht of New Haven, MI and John (Annette) Becht of Redford, MI; his grandchildren Saima M. Sharoff, Eli M. Becht, Thomas A. Perkins, Daniel C. and Patrick E. Becht; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Big Rapids, MI, with Pastor Jerry Switzer officiating. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 726 Fuller Ave., Big Rapids, MI 49307.