Jeffrey Claude Becherer, DDS

It is with sad but grateful hearts that we share the passing of Jeffrey Claude Becherer, DDS on March 14, 2024. Jeff was surrounded by his family and had a peaceful transition to heaven. He was born on September 3, 1948, and was the son of the late Carl and Helen (nee Hoffman) Becherer.

Jeff was the beloved husband of Susie (nee Stilp) Becherer and together they had six children. He was a loving and present father and father-in-law to Sarah Birmingham (Patrick), Joe Becherer (Mary), Dizzy Fleming (Andy), Katie Koutnik (Steve), Julie Ichikawa (Seth), and Alex Becherer (Erin). He was the cherished “Bop” to 22 grandchildren and was happiest when surrounded by them. They include Danny, Benny, Johnny, George, Henry, and Bridget Birmingham; Annie and Lizzy Becherer; Charlotte, Eddie, Tommy, Susannah, and Jimmy Fleming; Roger, Gus, Jane, Gabe, and Stan Koutnik; and Luisa, Margie, Pearl and Betty Ichikawa. Jeff loved to talk about his family and ever-growing cadre of grandkids. He was very proud of and thankful for his legacy.

Jeff was also a great brother to Pat (Ivo) Spalatin, the late Bill Becherer, Marybeth Becherer (Jim), John (Tina) Becherer and Dan (Chris) Becherer. Jeff was born in Milwaukee and lived nearly his entire life in Wauwatosa, which he loved dearly. He attended St. Pius grade school, Marquette University High School, where he played keyboard in a band or two and formed the bottom right base of the cheerleading pyramid, then followed in his father Carl’s footsteps when he attended Marquette University and Marquette University School of Dentistry, graduating in the class of 1972 with average grades and good stories.

Jeff took over Carl’s dental practice, Becherer Dental on 71st and North Avenue, shortly after and thus began a decades-long career that was a true passion and calling. Jeff loved dentistry. He was an excellent practitioner, with a gentle and calm bedside manner, and he formed lasting relationships with so many of his patients. He could hardly leave his house without running into yet another patient he had helped over the years. He loved that and loved serving his community. His artistry and superior fine motor skills were put to good use in several of his children’s grade school dioramas and art projects, for which he always received an A. Thanks, Dad!

Jeff was a ton of fun and knew how to enjoy life! He was a diehard Brewers fan, and spent many afternoons and evenings at County Stadium, always pretty sure this was the year his Brew Crew would win the World Series. He lived for Marquette basketball, and he and Susie were there when they won it all in 1977. He visited Disney World in 1971 in its inaugural year, and this sparked a lifelong love for Disney that he joyously passed on to all of his children and grandchildren. Music was a huge part of Jeff’s life and he could often be heard playing “Last Date” and “Chantilly Lace” on the Steinway piano he liked nearly as much as he liked his kids. He held Mercedes Benz in the highest esteem and one of his biggest regrets was letting go of his silver Gullwing. Oh well. Jeff was known to enjoy a Beefeater martini or two (never three) and his kids grew up fighting over who got the coveted gin-soaked olive. Suffice it to say, there was no shortage of fun and laughter and good cheer for Jeff. He had a huge smile that came out easily and often. He was a true optimist, rarely complained, and figured things would probably work out.

In his later years, Parkinson’s took away some of the ease and joy in his life, but he remained the kind and loving patriarch that he had always been. He never lost his sharp and irreverent sense of humor, and nothing made him or his family happier than when he surprised us all with a biting joke or perfectly timed one liner. He could (and did) spend many hours a day watching sports of all kinds, and he started each day with a printout of the TV viewing schedule from the newspaper. Susie took excellent care of him through it all, and together they taught us many lessons on courage, love, and perseverance. He was also lucky enough to have the world’s best caregivers, Melanie and Cindi, who were like bonus daughters to him. We could not be more proud of his life and legacy.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ King Parish, where Jeff was a loyal parishioner, and Zilber Family Hospice, where Jeff lived out the last week of his life receiving immaculate care in a room bursting with family, happy memories and 1000 piece puzzles.

A Gathering will be held on Saturday June 15, 2024 at Christ King Parish, 2604 N Swan Blvd Wauwatosa, from 9 AM until the time of his Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM.