Laverne Bechtel
October 24, 2008
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Service Details
LaVerne O. Bechtel, 83, passed away Friday, October 24 at Mercy Hospice – Johnston.
LaVerne Ott Bechtel was born October 25, 1924 in Great Falls, Montana to Louis and Lois (Johnston) Ott. There, she met her husband, LaVern E. Bechtel, who was stationed in the Air Force near Great Falls. They married in 1944 and shared 46 wonderful years together before his death in 1990.
She enjoyed her weekly bridge groups and sharing Thursday evening meals with friends at the VFW Post 9662. She took great pride in her memberships in The Mayflower Society, The Red Hat Society, and Delta Guild.
Her survivors include son, Robert Bechtel, Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho; daughter and son-in-law, Twila and Jim Mitchell, Moline, Illinois; grandchildren Chad Mitchell, Phoenix, Sarah Meier, Bettendorf, Andrew Bechtel, Phoenix, Amy Bechtel, Des Moines; and five great-grandchildren.
There will be a visitation from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, October 28, at Hamilton‘s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 N.W. 60th Avenue, Des Moines. A private, family graveside service will be held Wednesday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mercy Hospice, 5820 Winwood Drive, Johnston, Iowa 50131. Online condolences may be sent to HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Jeanne Thompson
10/28/2008
Dear Twila and Family,
I wanted to extend my sympathy to you and your family. I did not know yu mom, but I do know what it is like to have now lost both of my parents. We lost Dad on Sept. 29th. Dad had talked how he would have supper with your mom and Helen. I'm sure Helen will be at a great loss with the transition of 2 such good friends in less than a month. May the memories of your mom comfort you now. Jeanne Thompson
Michael Wellman
10/29/2008
I was saddened to read of LaVerne's death. The Bechtels were good friends of my parents, Ward and Mildred Wellman, going back to the years before I was born when they were neighbors on Allison Avenue, I believe. I recall many times when I heard one or both of my folks reminiscing fondly about their friendship and/or talking and laughing with one or both of the Bechtels on the phone.
Roughly a year or so ago I ran into LaVerne when we both happened to be shopping at Sam's Club and ended up in the same checkout lane. Given the few times we'd actually met I'm not sure how she recognized me or figured out who I was, but somehow she did and we had a nice conversation sprinkled with her laughter and recollections of her old friends, my mom and dad. It was easy to see why they would have enjoyed one another's company.
My sympathies & prayers...
Respectfully,
Michael Wellman
Scott Mitchell and Family
10/27/2008
We were sorry to hear about the passing of your Mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Scott, Jewel, Brett and Brandon.
Martha Wellman Conley
10/28/2008
Dear Twila and Bob,
I was so sorry to read of your mother's recent death. Your parents and mine shared such a fun time in their early years. I know my parents were pleased to maintain their friendship and enjoy their company again from time to time. What wonderful people they all were and what a wonderful time they lived in. I hope your mother's suffering was minimal. She was such a love of life woman. A prior commitment keeps me from coming tonight, but you will all remain in my thoughts. We'd love to hear from you.
Fondly,
Martha Wellman Conley
670 Foster Drive,
Des Moines, IA 50312
Chris Bechtel
10/27/2008
We were sorry to read about Laverne's passing. It has been many years since I last saw her, but we share in your sadness and grief during this difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Chris and Kay Bechtel
(son of Reuben and Carolyn Bechtel)
Marlys Seibert
10/27/2008
We want to extend our sincere sympathy on the loss of your Mother, Laverne. While you may not know us, I knew her over the years through her friendship with Margaret Johnson. Margaret and Bert got their cat, Lily, from a tree in your Mother's yard (Bert pulled the branch down, let it go, and the cat flipped to the ground - scared to death but she found a home). It was always a pleasure to see her at the thrift shops where we were looking for unnecessary objects. Just this summer at Fareway she shared the fact that she had gotten a tattoo! Always with a smile, asking how things were going, interested in one's well being - a genuinely caring individual. I am blessed that our paths crossed. Bob, you may remember my husband, Garland, as a teacher/coach at Saydel High School from 1967-69). I miss her already.
Marlys Seibert