"Dear Carol and family, our nephew Dean Beenken called today to tell us of your husband?s passing. We are so sorry. We will pray that God?s prescience will give you strength at this time."
In loving memory of
Jerry L. Bechler
August 28, 1942 - February 4, 2020
Jerry L. Bechler, 77, of Buffalo Center, died February 4, 2020, at his residence at the age of 77. A private graveside service for the immediate family will be held Saturday, May 9, 2020, at Evergreen Lawn Cemetery in George, Iowa.
Jerry L. Bechler was born August 28th 1942, in Rock Rapids the son of Leo and Evelyn (Schol) Bechler. Jerry passed away February 4th, 2020, at his home in Buffalo Center. He grew up in George and attended school there and later joined the United States Navy. He served from 1960-1964 on the USS Bon Homme Richard in the South Pacific and the Far East. After active duty, he served in the Naval Reserves from 1964-1966. Jerry was a lifelong member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion.
He was united in marriage to Carol J. Wessels on March 5th, 1966, at the Presbyterian church in Ashton. They were blessed with 3 children. Jerry loved golfing, bowling and playing pool and he excelled in all of them. He was an avid fan of Iowa Hawkeye Basketball team and Minnesota Twins.
Jerry moved his family to Garner Iowa in 1979, where he worked for All Iowa Sales before starting his own carpet and flooring business, which he had in Garner until 1990, and then moved his business to Buffalo Center and operated that until 2000. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, playing Yahtzee, and playing Gin Rummy. Grand-daughter Ashlyn was the spark that kept him going. She gave him a run for his money in these favorite pastimes.
Left to cherish his memories is his wife Carol of Buffalo Center; three children and 11 grandchildren; Cari and her daughters Cienna and Shae of North Chesterfield, VA; Corey (Christie) and their daughters Jordan, Sydni and Alivia of Omaha, NE and Jared (Heather) and their children Austen, Cody, Carli, Nicholus, Cody P and Ashlyn of Buffalo Center; and 3 great grand-children. He is also survived by a sister, Sharon (John) Pap of Rock Rapids; his brothers in-law, Wayne (Jayne) Wessels of Centerville, SD, Lennis Wessels of Sibley, and Larry (Rena) Odens of Gretna, NE; his sister-in -laws, Lori (Carl) Gochnauer of Lake Park, and Mary Bechler of George; 3 Step-Brothers, Leo Jr. Bechler of George, Dan Bechler of Sibley, and Richard Bechler of Little Rock; BS many nieces, nephews and other extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Evelyn; HIS step-mother, Betty Bechler; 4 brothers, Lorne Bechler, Kenny Bechler, William Bechler and Scott Bechler; his parents-in-law, Henry and Mae Wessels; and brother-in-law, David Wessels.
Tributes
"Dear Carol and family, our nephew Dean Beenken called today to tell us of your husband?s passing. We are so sorry. We will pray that God?s prescience will give you strength at this time."
"My Dear Friend Carol and family, I am so sorry for the loss of Jerry. Jerry was a wonderful person and always smiling and happy. Thanks for being a friend Jerry. "
"My sympathies to Carol and the families.Jerry was a very nice guy what little time I knew him"