Paul E. Bechtel

Paul Eugene Bechtel, 91, of Bucyrus died Thursday, October 8, 2015 at Bucyrus Community Hospital.



He was born February 5, 1924 in New Washington to the late Aloysius W. and Bertha P. (Wurm) Bechtel. After graduating from New Washington High School in 1942, he served in the US Army during WW2 from 1943-1946 as a Corporal in Field Artillery, the Military Police and as a switchboard/radio operator earning a number of decorations and citations.



Upon his return stateside, Paul worked at the Shelby Depot as a Surplus Property Disposal Officer, earning commendation from the Deputy Assistant Director of Defense. He went on to own and operate the former Rocky’s Tavern and Restaurant in Bucyrus and retired in 1992 from the Crawford County Engineer’s Office after 18 years with the highway department. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Bucyrus.



Paul was married to Gertrude M. (Graham) Seele on May 3, 1975 and she preceded him in death on November 8, 2010. He was also preceded in death by siblings, Harold J. Bechtel, Marie M. Supon, Sgt. John A. Bechtel, Helen M. “Sister Gregory” Bechtel, Gerald B. Bechtel and Frances E. “Sister Eileen” Bechtel.



He is survived by two sisters, Alma R. Long and Mary Eileen Studer; stepchildren, John (Jane) Seele and Diane (Tom) Lane; step granddaughter, Jennifer Seele; step great grandson, James Seele along with numerous nieces and nephews.



Mr. Bechtel will be remembered as a man with a giving nature and he continued this legacy by donating his body to The Ohio State University Division of Anatomy. Although no services will be held, you may remember Paul with a gift to the Bucyrus Salvation Army or Homecare Matters Hospice through Wise Funeral Service, 129 W Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820. Memories are encouraged in the Memorial Guestbook below.