Gerald "Jerry" Bechel
Gerald J. “Jerry” Bechel, 69, of Hewitt, TX, peacefully passed away Monday, July 23, 2018 at his home with family by his side after a long, hard fought battle with cancer.
Jerry was born May 9, 1949 in Plum City to Jake and Lillian (Schober) Bechel. After graduating from Plum City High School in 1967, Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Army and was honorably discharged on February 26, 1971. Jerry married the love of his life, Ramona Moore on October 21st, 1978 in Plum City. There was always a full house while raising 6 children. Jerry retired from his most recent position as a press operator after 17 years from Thomson Reuters in Eagan, MN in 2013. After retiring, Jerry and Ramona moved to the Waco, TX area.
Jerry spent his free time pursuing his lifelong passion of fishing every chance he could. He enjoyed many days in his prized fishing boat, mostly fishing with family and friends. He also enjoyed camping with Ramona and spending time with family. Jerry always had a smile that just made everyone around him smile back.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Ramona; children, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Bechel of Durand, Rebecca Livingston of Phoenix, AZ, Ruth (Mike) Bechel of Menomonie, Katrina (Vrail) George of Lorena, TX, Rachel (Eric) Torgerson of Colfax and Kimberly (Joe) Sauseda of Hewitt, TX;
15 grandchildren: Nina, Sabrina, Jacob, Jordan, Amber, Jonathan, Gina, Sophia, Vrail III, Vance, Haley, Ethan, Austin, Jaxon, and Cohen; and one great-grandchild; Ayleen; siblings: Ken (Diane) Bechel of Ellsworth, Sharon (Joe) Helmueller of River Falls, Audrey (Randy) Richardson of Arkansaw, Kay (Dennis) Hayden of Durand, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Gina Bechel; siblings, Kay Bechel in infancy and Marjorie Bartok.
Memorial Services will be 4:00 PM Friday, August 3, 2018 at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand. Pastor Dan Richardson will officiate. Visitation will be from 2:00 PM until the time of services at the funeral home on Friday.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Jerry’s memory to Community Hospice of Texas (Providence Hospice) 6100 Western Place, Suite 105, Ft. Worth TX 76107 or at www.chot.org
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.