Former Huntley mayor Becker dies

Those who knew Charlie Becker say the former Huntley mayor and trustee embodied the village's spirit and character.

Though Becker died Sunday at age 77 at his home in Marengo, former colleagues and friends say his presence will remain.

"Charlie Becker is the village of Huntley," Village Manager Carl Tomaso said. "His spirit, love and commitment to the community made Huntley a better place. Huntley is a better place because he served as village president and trustee."

Becker died of natural causes, McHenry County Coroner Marlene Lantz said.

Becker was first appointed acting village president in November 1999, replacing longtime Village President Jim Dhamer, who died that same month.

Becker officially became village president in January 2000.

Tomaso, who worked alongside Becker for more than a decade, said Becker was instrumental in numerous projects, like building the Huntley Municipal Complex -- where flags will fly at half staff for 30 days.

Becker also was crucial in expanding the village's infrastructure.

"One of his legacies was in moving the village hall project forward," Tomaso said. "He was instrumental in affording the funding package for us to move forward. He supported efforts to plan for it, and he championed for it."

The village hall complex opened Sept. 25, 2006. Becker sang the national anthem at its dedication.

Becker resigned from the board in September 2006 because he was relocating to Marengo.

Sue Lamb, who served with Becker from 1995 to 2003, said Becker "brought his own personality to the table."

"You just loved Charlie for being Charlie," Lamb said. "He was always a champion for the people of Huntley, and that's what I loved best about him."

Becker's body will lie in repose from 3 to 8 p.m., Wednesday in the board room of village hall, 10987 Main Street, Huntley.

A funeral procession will travel Thursday from village hall to St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road Huntley.