Elmer J. Bechel

     Elmer J. Bechel, 93, of Sparta, died Monday, November 18, 2019 at Lexington VA Health Care System, Lexington, KY. He was born on August 31, 1926 to Anton and Lena Bechel of Plum City, WI. 

      Elmer married Orvilla A. Boigenzahn on August 22, 1952, and soon moved to Eau Claire, WI.  Orvilla and Elmer then began their family by adopting a son, Michael, in 1962 and daughter, Laurie, in 1964.  The family m​​oved to Sparta in 1976.

    Elmer was a veteran with 43 years of military service.  He served in the US Navy during the WWII era, followed by service in the US Naval Reserves from 1945 to 1950.  He then served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict from 1950 to 1952.  This was followed by service in the US Army Reserves from 1952 until his retirement August 1988.  Upon his retirement from the reserves, Elmer had achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4.

    During his retirement, Elmer was very active with American Legion, Post 100, serving a term as Post Commander during the 1990s, as well as other roles serving the Post.  He also was a member of VFW Post 2112.  He enjoyed working in and around his home, talking with his many friends and neighbors, and participating in many community activities.  He particularly like to golf and walk his dog, Bodie.

      Elmer was preceded in death by his parents​, his wife, Orvilla, and his brother Harry.  He is survived by his son, Michael (Kay) Bechel, Sadieville, KY, daughter, Laurie (Scott) Collins, Henderson, NV;​ grandchildren Alex (Tess) Bechel, Georgetown, KY, Ashley Russell, Georgetown, KY, and JoAnna Collins, Minneapolis, MN; great grandchildren, Mason Bechel, Gavin Bechel, Allison Russell and Evan Russell of Georgetown, KY, and AJ Collins of Minneapolis, MN. 

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, November 25, 2019 at 1 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta, with Father Eric Berns officiating. Burial with full military honors provided by VFW Post 2112 and American Legion Post 100 of Sparta will be in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Sparta. After the services, all are invited for lunch at the American Legion Post 100, 1116 Angelo Road, Sparta. 

     Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, with a 5 p.m. prayer service. Visitation will continue at the church on Monday from 12 noon until time of services. 

     The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, November 25, 2019 at 1 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta, with Father Eric Berns officiating. Burial with full military honors provided by VFW Post 2112 and American Legion Post 100 of Sparta will be in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Sparta. After the services, all are invited for lunch at the American Legion Post 100, 1116 Angelo Road, Sparta. 

     Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, with a 5 p.m. prayer service. Visitation will continue at the church on Monday from 12 noon until time of services. 

     The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

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