A celebration, fit to commemorate Becker Flying Service's 75 years, will take place on Friday, June 23 at the Hartington Airport.
The event, at 56395 881 Road, Hartington, will kick off with a BBQ from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
After the meal, Casey Rossiter, a local musician, will provide entertainment. Airplanes will also be on display.
A quick, yet busy 75 years ago, Bud and Esther Becker started their business in 1948, alongside raising their family on a farm north of Hartington.
The shop hangar included two runways where Bud conducted his aerial spraying business, eventually transferring his love for all things aviation to his sons, Tom, Steve and Chuck.
Continuing its path of growth for 30 years, Becker Flying Service moved off the farm and into the Hartington Airport in the 1970s.
14 years later, in 1986, the Becker family experienced a tragic loss when their second oldest son, Steve, died in a helicopter crash. In his honor, the family continued their services.
Tom, wishing to branch out into other facets of aviation, started an aircraft maintenance business on the side, also offering aircraft rental and flight training.
The company emphasizes the importance of maintenance Schulte said, following its motto, "A properly maintained aircraft is a safe aircraft."
Around 100 planes a year receive maintenance services from the full-time mechanic.
In 2003, Tom fully purchased the spraying business from his father, bringing the organization into the second generation of Beckers.
His staff includes Karma Schulte, chief financial officer; Scott Carr, director of maintencance; Gail and Janelle Becker, booking, computer mapping and aerial application billing and John Becker, Tom's son and chief pilot for aerial spraying.
John's involvement brings the total number of Becker generations to three.
"Surround yourself with great people and you will be successful," Tom says.
Becker Flying Service has changed with the times, adding computer mapping and guidance, Schulte said.
"The needs of the farmer are met by qualified pilots and aircraft," Schulte said. "We pride ourselves on 75 years of customer service and dedication to our pilots and local farm community."
The Becker family, all three generations, have passed down a passion for flying, service and community.
