BECHTUM, Theodore R. 1860-1931

BECHTUM, GAIL

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 6/26/2010 at 20:31:03

Obituary

Theodore R. Bechtum

Theodore R. Bechtum was born in Brightshied, Germany, January 22, 1860, and passed away at his home in Riceville, Iowa on Tuesday. May 26, 1931. Brother Bechtum was 71 years, 4 months and 4 days old. The end came suddenly and was a severe shock to his loved ones together with his legion of friends.

He came to the United States in 1885, locating at Plano, Illinois. He was employed by the International Harvester Co., for a period of ten years, after which time he took up the occupation of farming in the near vicinity of Plano. In 1909 the deceased moved to Iowa, resuming the occupation of farming until 1926, after which time he retired, making his place of residence at Riceville.

On January 22, 1888, he united in marriage with Miss Pauline Gail. The date of this event was a rare coincidence in as much as it was his birth date.

To this union were born four children, one passing away in infancy. Those loved ones left to survive the deceased are his widow, Mrs. Pauline Bechtum, his daughters, Mrs. Henry Moeller, Gladbrook, Iowa; Mrs. Elmer Dannewitz, Somonauk, Illinois; and his son, Fred Bechtum, of Riceville, together with 9 grandchildren in addition to several brothers and sisters in Germany.

He was a kind, loving, charitable husband and father, enjoying an enviable record of admiration by his neighbors and a great host of friends. his reputation and character to those who knew him as well as his fellowmen that he had business contacts with, were of the highest standard. His cardinal principle was that of being a God fearing, God loving man, having been of strict religious faith since the time of his maturity. He was confirmed in the German Evangelical Church, later becoming a member of the M. E. Church at Brownville, transferring from there to Riceville. He was a member of the woodman Camp of Riceville.

The heartfelt sympathy of the community is extended to those dear ones in this hour of sadness. The passing away of this loved one calls us to repentance and warns us to be ever ready to meet our God.

Funeral services were conducted by Reverend W. M. Zimmerman on Friday, May 29, {1931] at the Riceville M. E. Church. Interment at Riceville.

[Mitchell County Press, Wednesday, June 10, 1931]