Ellyn J. (Genz) Bechen, 79, of Dubuque, passed away Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, December 23, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. Rev. Gabriel Anderson will officiate. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Friends may greet the family from 4p.m. to 7p.m. Friday, December 22, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, where there will be a prayer service at 7 p.m.
Ellyn was born January 17, 1938 in Dubuque, the daughter of Joseph and Meretta (Munger) Genz. She married Joseph E. Bechen Sr. on December 27, 1954 at St. Raphael Cathedral.
Ellyn was employed at Mercy Hospital for over 30 years, as well as at Clarke (College) University. In her younger years, Ellyn spun records at Neisners drug store, where she met the love of her life.
She was a longtime member of St. Raphael Cathedral, and an avid supporter of the St. Jude Society. Ellyn loved music of all kinds, and was also a member of the Dubuque Chorale. She was a gracious lady who welcomed everyone. Animals held a special place in her heart. For Ellyn, family came first, and...[more]
e loved spending time with her grandchildren and celebrating holidays with her family.
Ellyn is survived by her husband, Joseph Bechen Sr. of Dubuque; five children, Connie (Arthur) Leuschner of Dubuque, Susan Wahlert of Dubuque, Melissa (John Sr.) Jensen of Cedar Falls, IA, Jennifer (Roger) Bahl of Dubuque, and Joseph (Tammy) Bechen Jr. of Urbandale, IA; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild, due in May.
She was preceded in death by a son-in-law James R. Wahlert; her brothers, Joseph Genz Jr. and Bobby Genz; and her sisters, Theresa Janzig, Marjorie "Sally" Erne Saeugling, Mary "Mitzi" Fuller, and Darlene Genz.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Dubuque Humane Society.
The family would like to thank Ellyn's caregivers and Hospice of Dubuque.