Willis Edgar Bechtel

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/41011771
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-146539

Notes:

The Life of Willis Bechtel

Willis Bechtel was born on March 20, 1919, to Moses and Alberta Bechtel at R.R.#4 Kitchener. Willis was the second oldest child, growing up with his three sisters, Rita, Ruth and Clarene, and his brother Clare. As he grew older, he began working, as hired help, for different farmers. Farm life was a major part of his life, where he learned to drive a vehicle, while on the farm.

Willis enjoyed going to Sunday school and church at Mannheim Mennonite Church. In his teenage years, he invited Jesus Christ into his heart and life. His quiet, strong faith was demonstrated by his non-materialistic attitude towards life. As one who was very active in his church, Willis's convictions were put to a test, when he chose to attend a Conscientious Objectors Camp in Sault Saint Marie, rather than participate in a second World War.

In October of 1953, Willis married his sweetheart, Marilyn Rosenberger. It is said that a man's heart is through his stomach and Marilyn soon observed that truth. Willis had such a big appetite that he would even eat raw eggs, as part of his meal. His response, when asked if he would like more food after a large meal, would sometimes be, "I'm full till the next time!"

Willis was an easy going, generous person, with a happy twinkle in his eye. He never lost his temper. One of his greatest challenges was to say "No", to his children. On occasions, while visiting a store, as small children, Donna or Audrey would only have to cry about not getting something that they wanted and Willis could not resist. He would yield!

Later in life, Willis left the farm and entered into new occupations, first at the Hallman Silo Company in Kitchener and then in Cambridge at what was then called, the Hostess Potato Chip Factory. He remained there until his retirement, when he gave of his time to work around his home at gardening and committed himself to assist in odd jobs for others, who needed help. For 8 years, he served as the custodian of his church. Enjoyment in retirement was also found in attending the Super-Sixties at the First Baptist Church in Waterloo, along with the bus tours which both he and Marilyn participated in.

More recently, since he was not able to care for himself, Willis was placed in a nursing home. A "teaser", as he called himself, Willis continued to be a pleasant, contented person, poking fun at the nurses, with his cane. It was observed that during his entire lifetime, the only times that Willis ever appeared to be feeling down were during his last sickness and with the passing of his wife, Marilyn, on January 25, 2002.

This past Friday morning, June 25, Willis was ushered into the presence of Jesus, having lived a full and joyful life for others and for His God.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/41011771/willis-edgar-bechtel

Willis married Marilyn Grace Rosenberger Oct 1953. Marilyn (daughter of Beniah Rosenberger and Hilda Mae Shantz) was born 13 May 1931; died 25 Jan 2002, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Breslau Mennonite Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Audrey — Bryan Russel Shaver. [Group Sheet]