Robert Bechler

Robert Charles Bechler was born January 28, 1918, in Branford, North Dakota, the son of Roy and Sabrie (Wilcox) Bechler. He lived in Sac County and attended country school No. 4 Riverside, in Douglas Township. He attended Sac City High School through the eleventh grade. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Sac City.

On September 5, 1941, Bob joined the U.S. Army, serving during WWII with the 18th Engineer Combat Regiment. He helped blaze 250 miles of the Alcan Highway, and also served in the Aleutian Island Campaign. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Campaign Ribbon, American Theatre Campaign Ribbon, American Defense Service Ribbon, and 5 Overseas Bars, when he was honorably discharged on September 14, 1945.

Robert was united in marriage to Iola Angeline Wilson, in Sac City, on December 28, 1944. They were blessed with a son, Don Charles Bechler. Iola passed away February 24, 1975. Bob was married to Gail Sheeley-Lindeman on December 20, 1975, in their home.

Bob farmed his entire life in the Sac City area. He retired from farming in 1983, but his love of the farm and old tractors continued. He enjoyed restoring antique tractors and antique plowing, and was a member of the Albert City Threshermen. He loved to garden and was featured in the Sac Sun with his prize 20 pound cabbage. He stayed active with his woodworking projects, cracking walnuts, trap shooting, and fishing. He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W., and American Legion of Sac City. He also was a member of the Odd-fellows, Sac County Farm Bureau, Sac City Gun Club, Civil Air Patrol, and retired President of the Lytton Maid Dairy.

Robert and Gail were Charter Members of the Friendship Club at the Iowa State Bank, and enjoyed their many travels together. He was also a Charter Member of the WWII Memorial Society.

Robert passed away on Friday, June 11, 2004, at Park View Care Center in Sac City, following a lengthy illness, at the age of 86. Survivors include his wife Gail H. Bechler of Sac City; his son Don Charles (Kristine) Bechler of Sac City; his step daughters: Sheila (Bruce) Billick of Paullina, IA, Linda (Ted) Schulte of Sac City; Renae Dudley and her special friend Dennis Deischer of Oak Grove, MO; six step-grandchildren: Laurel (Doug) Augustine of Sioux City, IA, Brian Billick and his fiancé Carmen Rohwer of DeWitt, IA, Erin (Ken) Waters of Ogden, UT, April Schulte of Fridley, MN, Robyn Schulte of Oak Brook, IL, and Shannon Dudley of Ames, IA; three step-great-grandchildren: Joshua, Bryanna, and Sophia Augustine of Sioux City, IA; his two brothers Merle Bechler of Sac City, and Glenn Bechler of Royal, IA; three nephews; eight nieces; other extended family members; and many friends.

His parents, Roy and Sabrie Bechler; his first wife, Iola Wilson Bechler; sister Ruth Bechler; brother Harold Bechler; and three sisters-in-law: Rita, Neva, and Wanita Bechler preceded him in death.

Memorial services for Robert will be Tuesday, June 15, 2004, 10:30 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Sac City with Reverend Dean McPherson officiating. There will be congregational singing and a solo by Frank Pontious, with Dee Meyer accompanying. Iva Boisen and Margaret Parker will take care of the flower arrangements. Honorary pallbearers include the following: Walter Mueggenberg, Kenneth Mooney, Laverne Mueggenberg, Harley Cady, Jim Von Ahn, Gerhard Ausborn, Wayne Donaldson, LeRoy Nelson, Neil Irwin, Lucian Russell, and Ben Hammerstrom. The Civil Air Patrol, Northwest Iowa Composite Flight, will escort the procession to Robert’s final resting place at Oakland Cemetery. Military graveside rites by the V.F.W. Post No. 590 and the American Legion Cantigny Post No. 195 of Sac City, Iowa. Burial will be under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.

Visitation will be Monday, June 14th, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City.