Jean M. Bechel age 86 of Eau Claire, died Thursday, April 30, 2015 at the Clairemont Nursing Home in Eau Claire with her family by her side.

Jean was born on May 26, 1928 in Arkansaw. She was the daughter of Carl and Lucy (Youngman) LaBrec. Jean grew up in the Arkansaw area and graduated from Arkansaw High School in 1946. After high school, Jean moved to Eau Claire where she worked for National Pressure Cooker for two years. Jean married Melvin A. Bechel on June 17, 1947 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Arkansaw. After marriage they resided in Eau Claire where Jean raised her family.

Jean enjoyed golfing, bowling, baking, fishing and square dancing. Early in their lives, Jean and Mel went camping all over the country. Jean loved her family, she was a terrific wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Jean is survived by her husband of 68 years, Mel, four children; Sandy (Tony) Zenner of Old Town, FL, Mark (Dorothy) of Salem, OR, Karen (Craig) Anderson of Nevada, IA and Paul (Cheryl) of Maple Grove, MN, five grandchildren, five great grandchildren, one brother; Jim (Shirley) LaBrec of Arkansaw, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, three sisters; Carol Wolfe, Audrey Tschumperlin and Mary Lou LaBrec.

Funeral Mass will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Eau Claire. Rev. George Thayilkuzhithottu, MSFS will officiate. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Arkansaw. Friends may call from 9:30 AM until the time of services at the church on Tuesday.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Mark Helminiak May 5, 2015, at 12:44pm

   With sympathy.......Mark Helminiak. REGIS 1970.....Will inform Sr. KATERI our music teacher at SH......she spends summers in oregon......still teaching. At a seminary in Indiana.

2. Jane Poeschel May 4, 2015, at 9:44pm

   What a special aunt! Always had her door and heart open for me....I remember crashing many nights with her and Uncle Mel when I was a nursing student.....seems like yesterday. Gosh where did 30 years go?
   My deepest sympathies dear family!

3. Kathy Bauer May 3, 2015, at 4:08pm

   What a great lady.I did Jeans hair at Expressions(My Fair Lady) for a few years-she was not just a client- she was a friend.From our conversations I knew Mel,family and golf were the most important in her life.I bet Paul remembers coming to the beauty shop.Sorry for your loss.

4. Cathi and Barry May 3, 2015, at 2:05pm

   We were blessed to have known Jean and to spend time with her and the family in Wisconsin and Florida. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mel and the family at this time. We love you all.

5. Nancy Tschumperlin May 3, 2015, at 1:11pm

   Prayers to the family at this time of your loss

6. Cheryl Bechel May 2, 2015, at 10:28am

   Will miss her greatly !!!

7. Carol Danzinger May 2, 2015, at 7:42am

   Dear Mel, We're so sorry to hear of Jean's passing. You and family have our warmest condolences. We had such fun square dancing in those good old days. Treasure the memories--she remains in your heart forever. With our love and prayers, Carol and Ralph Danzinger.

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