Harry M. Bechel

Harry M. Bechel passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 3, 2018, at age of 91, at Dove HealthCare West in Eau Claire. 
Harry was born on August 31, 1926, to the late Anton and Lena (Schmidt) Bechel in Plum City, Wisconsin. He married his true love, Mary Lou Bauer, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Arkansaw, WI, on May 29, 1948.  A loving and devoted couple, they recently celebrated their 70th anniversary at the Dove Health Center with family and friends. 
Harry held many jobs but his passion was for driving semi for companies like Chippewa Motor Freight for over 30 years. He was a strong, dedicated member of the Teamsters Union. He never tired of telling stories of his on the road travels. His kids loved his job at Sawyer Biscuit Company because he brought home cookies for them. He ended his career as a custodian in the Eau Claire School District. The kids and staff at the elementary schools loved Harry and he loved them. He would let them ride in his cart and always had candy for them. His sense of humor and devotion to his family and friends will be missed by everyone who knew him.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing which he shared with his children. He and Mary Lou loved staying at their trailer on Marshmiller Lake, where they went fishing and pontooning on the lake. Whether tenting or by truck camper, he traveled with his family to various parts of the country. He tended the family garden and loved his Simplicity tractor. Harry was a charter member of the St. James Parrish and an usher for many years. He enjoyed the Brewer's games but his greatest passion was as a Green Bay Packer Fan! He faithfully watched and celebrated the wins of every Packer game, proudly wearing his many hats, shirts or jackets with the Packer logo. 
Harry is survived by his wife, Mary Lou; his daughters, Pat (Gerry) Candell, Pam (Patrick) Styer, Paula Bechel; sons, Tom (Penny) Bechel, Tony (Sandi) Bechel, Terry (Pam) Bechel, and Ted (Dale) Bechel. He adored his 14 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, who were the light of his life. His son, Tim Bechel, preceded him in death.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 6, 2018, at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 2502 11th St. in Eau Claire, with Father Tom Krieg officiating. Visitation was held one hour prior to the Mass. Given his passion for the Packers, those attending were encouraged to wear Packer attire to the service. Interment was in Lakeview Cemetery in Eau Claire. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services is serving his family.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorials to Dove HealthCare and St. James the Greater Catholic Church. To send condolences, please send cards to Mary Lou Bechel at Dove Healthcare West, 1405 Truax Blvd, Eau Claire WI 54703. The family wishes to express their thanks and gratitude to the staff at Dove HealthCare for their love and support.