Willis Edgar Bechtel

1919 - 2004  (85 years)

• Name	Willis Edgar Bechtel
  Born	20 Mar 1919	Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [1, 2]
  Gender	Male
  FindAGrave	https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/41011771
  Eby ID Number	Waterloo-146539
  Died	25 Jun 2004  [1, 2]
  Buried	Breslau Mennonite Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [1, 2]
  Person ID	I146539	Generations
  Last Modified	7 Nov 2024

  
  

  Father	Moses S. Bechtel,   b. 18 Apr 1883, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 1948, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 64 years)
  Mother	Alberta Knechtel,   b. 2 Sep 1886, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 4 Sep 1942, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 56 years)
  Married	23 Feb 1916  [3]
  Family ID	F6030	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family	Marilyn Grace Rosenberger,   b. 13 May 1931,   d. 25 Jan 2002, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 70 years)
  Married	Oct 1953
  Children	1. Audrey Lois Bechtel   2. Donna Jean Bechtel
  Last Modified	12 Nov 2024
  Family ID	F56184	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

• 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

  
  

• Sources

  [S3231] Find A Grave, Cemetery, B., America, N., Municipality, W., & Cemetery, B. (1919). Willis Edgar Bechtel (1919-2004) - Find A Grave.... Findagrave.com. Retrieved 19 August 2018, from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/41011771/willis-edgar-bechtel. [S15] Cemetery - ON, Waterloo, Breslau - Breslau Mennonite CC#4579 Internet Link . Bechtel/ Willis E./ Bechtel/ 1919-2004/ Marilyn G./ Rosenberger/ 1931-2002/ On earth - in heaven/ Forever with the Lord [S8] News - Gospel Herald, Obituary of Moses Bechtel - February 24, 1948.

  
  

• Event Map

  Born - 20 Mar 1919 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Buried - - Breslau Mennonite Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  = Link to Google Earth