CALVIN F. BECHTEL

KIESAU, BECHTEL, CHRISTIANSON, PECK, VINE

Posted By: Mary Durr (email)
Date: 1/31/2003 at 21:19:42

CALVIN F. BECHTEL

Calvin F. Bechtel, son of Arthur Fred and Lydia R. (Kiesau) Bechtel, was born August 5, 1929 at Waukon, Iowa. He died March 23, 1995 at Lutheran Hospital, LaCrosse, Wisconsin. He was 65 years old.

Calvin lived most of his life on the same Ludlow Township farm. He attended rural Ludlow Township Schools. He was baptized and confirmed at Salem UCC where he was a member and officer many years. He was a member of Zion United Church of Christ.

On September 30, 1951 he was married to Betty Christianson at the Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church.

Calvin farmed until 1983. He was also a piano tuner at many area schools, colleges and churches working with music and pianos for 43 years. He played with many area bands, including "The Toe Tappers," "Mohawks," "Luigi Iowa Troubadors," "Johnny Novak's Band," "Ray Alto's Cowboys," and "Ray Sweeney's Band." He also was the church organist at Salem UCC for 24 years.

He was preceded in death by parents, brother Donald Bechtel, grandchild, Nicole and step-grandchild, Jamie.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Bechtel of Waukon; a son, Robert and wife Laurie Bechtel of Monona; a daughter, Corene and husband Kelly Peck of Waukon; a sister, Ruth and husband Donald Vine of Waukon. Also surviving are eight grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Sunday, March 26, 1995 at Zion United Church of Christ, Rev. Richard Eick and Rev. Msgr. Ed Lechtenberg officiated. Casket bearers were Joe Sweeney, Gordon Tangen, Lyle Hanson, Dale Kiesau, Bob Kiesau, Carl Beall, Bob Nash and Ralph Osterholz. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery.

Postville Herald newspaper clipping from my mother's obituary collection.