Bernard M. Bechel
Bernard M. Bechel age 89 of Elmwood died Wednesday August 26, 2015 at the Heritage of Elmwood in Elmwood surrounded by his family.
Bernie was born November 16, 1925 in the Plum City area to Mattie and Frances (Schmitt) Bechel. Bernie moved with his family and lived in River Falls, Eau Galle, and eventually in rural Elmwood. Bernie served in the U.S. Navy during WWII aboard the USS Terror in the Pacific Theater. After the service he married Marjorie Kuehl June 6, 1950 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Elmwood. After marriage they farmed in Weston Township for a few years. Bernard then started his own repair business operating it until he retired. Bernard and Marjorie moved into the Village of Elmwood in 1973. For the past eight months he has been a resident of the Heritage of Elmwood Nursing Home.
Bernie was active in the community. He served on the Elmwood Village Board for several years. He was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church for 65 years and served on the Board for many years as President. Bernie was a member of the Crain-Ottman American Legion Post 207 for forty years and served as Commander for many of these years. He was also a member of the Pierce County 40/8 Voiture #904 and the Past Commanders Club. Bernard also served with the Pierce County Civil Defense. He enjoyed fishing, grilling for family cookouts, but mostly spending time and family and friends and sharing a cold one.
Bernie is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marjorie; seven children, Mike (Cherri) of Elmwood, Jerry (Harleen) of Browning, MT, Brenda Bechel of Eau Claire, Linda (Bob) Britton of Elmwood, Jan (Melvin) Fisher of Maiden Rock, Kenny of Elmwood, Julie (Kevin) Lee of Spring Valley; 13 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and two on the way, and one step great grandchild.
He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Edward and Walter, grandson Josh Larrieu and a step great grandchild, Krystoffer Tailfeathers.
Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Monday August 31, 2015 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Elmwood with Rev. Timothy Rosenow officiating. Burial will be in the Poplar Hill Cemetery in the Township of Rock Elm with Military Honors provided by the Crain-Ottman American Legion Post 207 of Elmwood.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 PM Sunday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Elmwood and one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.