Matt Bechtel 1854-1944

BECHTEL, CHRISTOPH, BOOS, KERNDT, FRANKHAUSER, BIEBER

Posted By: AMK (email)
Date: 10/13/2010 at 13:43:17

Lansing's Oldest Resident Dies Tuesday Morning

Matt Bechtel,long time resident of Lansing, passed away at his home in this city Tuesday morning after a brief illness and complications due to his advanced age. He suffered a fall at his home a couple of weeks ago, which in all probability hastened his death. Only a few weeks ago he celebrated his 90th birthday with a family gathering which he enjoyed very much.
Mr. Bechtel, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Sam Bechtel, pioneer settlers, was born on the old homestead, Lansing Ridge, Sept 2, 1854, where he grew to manhood. On October 15, 1883 at New Hampton, he was married to Miss Mary Christoph, and they made their home there for a few years before returning to Lansing. To this union thirteen children were born, two of whom, Will and Mrs. Esther Boos, preceded their father in death. Those left to mourn a kind husband and father are his wife, Sam and Tade, of Lansing; Mrs. Lydia Frankhauser, Fredricksburg, Iowa; Miss Dorothy Bechtel, Minneapolis, Minn.; Mrs. Clarence (Addie) Kerndt, Makee twp.; Mrs. Wayne (Marie) Bieber, Charles City, Iowa; Ben, Portland, Oregon; Herman, West Palm Beach, Florida; Carl, Sioux City, Iowa; and Matt, Jr., with the U.S.Forces in England. He is also survived on the old home farm in Center township.
Deceased was a hard working, industrious man and had many friends who will read with regret of his death. He was a painter and paper hanger by trade, at which he worked for many years.
The funeral services will be held at the German Presbyterian Church, Lansing, on Friday afternoon, Sept. 28th, at 2:00 o'clock, the Reverend Albert C. Kunz officiating. Burial will be made in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Allamakee Journal
Wed 27 Sept 1944
Page 1 Column 4
Vol LXV No 39