Bechtel, Leonard Albert (L.A.)
Passed away suddenly on Thursday March 19, 2009 at his residence Nithview Community, New Hamburg. Leonard was born 92 years ago in Waterloo Township, a son of the late Owen S. & Melissa (Knechtel) Bechtel. He had resided in New Hamburg and was formerly of Preston and Doon. A house builder at heart, Leonard owned and operated L.A. Bechtel Construction Ltd. for over 35 years, and was the founder of Preston Building Supplies. In his retirement, Leonard enjoyed farming, working in his shop and being a founding member of Wilmot Seniors Woodworking and Craft Shop. He was an active member of Preston Mennonite Church and Nith Valley Mennonite Church.
Beloved husband of the late Nora (Brubacher) Bechtel who predeceased him only three weeks ago on February 25, 2009. Loving father of David & Muriel Bechtel of Kitchener, Martha & John Wood of London, Norma & John Lichti of New Hamburg, Dorothy & Richard MacBride of Waterloo, Shirley & Darcy Snyder of New Hamburg. Lovingly remembered by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren Greg Bechtel, Krista & Dave Alexander (Dylan & Sadie), John Wood (Meg), Lindsay & Brent Nevin (Ty), Chris & Kim Lichti (Abby & Garrett), Sarah Lichti, Jen & Josh Hiuser (Michaela, Kate & Maggie), Alisa & Ben MacBride-Smith, Jess & Neil Thier (Maya), Trevor Snyder & Julia Needham. Also remembered by brothers Clinton Bechtel, Eldon & Bertie Bechtel, Lloyd & Beatrice Bechtel, sisters Mary & Ken Willsie, Avon Brophy, Gladys & John Hunsberger, and by sisters-in-law Verna Staniek and Elaine Snider.
Leonard was predeceased by daughter Esther Bechtel (2006), grandson Richard Wood, great-grandson Connor Lichti, brother Delford & Pearl Bechtel, sisters Ruby Bechtel, Elsie & Edwin Eby, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Hilda Bechtel, Joe Brophy, Clarabel Brubacher (in infancy), Ella & Maurice Woolner, Ivan & Marie Brubacher, Fred Staniek, Clifford Snider and by Owen's second wife Margaret Bechtel.
Friends and relatives may call at Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, 291 Huron St., New Hamburg on Wednesday (please note date) from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. On Thursday March 26, 2009 transfer will be made to Nith Valley Mennonite Church for the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Pastors Matthew & Hendrike Isert-Bender officiating. Reception to follow. Burial for both Leonard and Nora will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Mannheim Mennonite Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy donations may be made to Nithview Community Mobility Bus Fund, Nith Valley Mennonite Church, or MennoHomes Inc..
On-line condolences and donation information are available at www.markjutzifuneralhomes.ca
Lifetimes
____________
A couple in life and death
Nora Bechtel of New Hamburg
Born: Dec. 12, 1920 in Waterloo Township
Died: Feb. 25, 2009 of age-related illness
______________________________________
Leonard Bechtel of New Hamburg
Born:Aug. 19, 1916 in Waterloo Township
Died: March 19, 2009 age-related illness
April 28, 2009
Valerie Hill
RECORD STAFF
Leonard Bechtel spotted the pretty girl in the brown dress at church and was immediately impressed with her sensible demeanour. Nora Brubacher noticed him, too, but life can be funny sometimes.
There were two girls in brown dresses that day, so Leonard had a tricky time finding out the name of the right girl.
When he called to ask for a date, she thought it was another boy calling, one much too boisterous for her tastes.
She said no. Nora eventually learned of her mistake and decided to right the wrong by calling him.
That phone call would be the beginning of a union that would last 68 years, produce six children and a lifetime of service to their family and their Mennonite community.
The couple, married June 21, 1941, had lost their mothers years earlier, a tragedy which nevertheless provided them with a unique opportunity.
Without maternal ties, they enjoyed an unusual level of freedom, which they, in turn, passed on to their children.
"She and Dad always felt they were more free to do what they wanted," said daughter Martha Wood.
"It was important to let us be free, too." Then she added, "we did abuse it."
Despite the sometimes lax rules, there was never any question about Nora's deep love and expectation of hard work and a moral life.
Son David Bechtel explained "her life was her family and her home."
Early in their marriage, Leonard worked for a Preston construction company, a job interrupted by the Second World War when he was conscripted.
As a Mennonite, he would not engage in wartime duties and instead joined the alternative service as a conscientious objector, where his duties would be working in a lumber camp on Vancouver Island.
Leonard, ever the mechanical genius, was sent to work with engineers' designing equipment.
The experience must have had a lasting effect on the young man, who seemed unwilling to settle into his old life once back in Preston. Leonard soon started L.A. Bechtel Construction and later Preston Building Supply.
Over the course of three decades, he would build 700 homes in Cambridge, though money was never a motivating factor.
It was always about the people.
Early on, Leonard had been approached by the Mennonite bishop who requested he hire returning conscientious objectors, men who were often vilified in the community for refusing to fight.
As always, Leonard was eager to help.
After 35 years in business, Leonard retired from home building, but he wasn't ready to quit working and instead took a succession of jobs, including farming. He was also a founding member of the Wilmot Seniors Woodworking and Craft Shop in Baden.
David said his father was always serving on some volunteer board or other, while Nora was always making quilts, many of which were donated to the Mennonite Relief sale.
Though the couple helped their extended family and community, their contributions were never openly discussed. Daughter Norma Lichti explained "they lived their faith."
The family described the couple as polar opposites: he was always bubbling over with ideas for new projects while she was the steady, calming influence, more comfortable with the familiar.
Leonard loved to move house, Nora preferred to stay put. He was shy, she was outgoing.
Their differences and ability to compromise made their marriage strong.
And in the end, when it became evident Nora would die first, it was Leonard who held her hand for hours on end in their nursing home room.
Their marriage had been strong and enduring and in the end, they died less than three weeks apart.
Passed away suddenly on Thursday March 19, 2009 at his residence Nithview Community, New Hamburg. Leonard was born 92 years ago in Waterloo Township, a son of the late Owen S. & Melissa (Knechtel) Bechtel. He had resided in New Hamburg and was formerly of Preston and Doon. A house builder at heart, Leonard owned and operated L.A. Bechtel Construction Ltd. for over 35 years, and was the founder of Preston Building Supplies. In his retirement, Leonard enjoyed farming, working in his shop and being a founding member of Wilmot Seniors Woodworking and Craft Shop. He was an active member of Preston Mennonite Church and Nith Valley Mennonite Church.
Beloved husband of the late Nora (Brubacher) Bechtel who predeceased him only three weeks ago on February 25, 2009. Loving father of David & Muriel Bechtel of Kitchener, Martha & John Wood of London, Norma & John Lichti of New Hamburg, Dorothy & Richard MacBride of Waterloo, Shirley & Darcy Snyder of New Hamburg. Lovingly remembered by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren Greg Bechtel, Krista & Dave Alexander (Dylan & Sadie), John Wood (Meg), Lindsay & Brent Nevin (Ty), Chris & Kim Lichti (Abby & Garrett), Sarah Lichti, Jen & Josh Hiuser (Michaela, Kate & Maggie), Alisa & Ben MacBride-Smith, Jess & Neil Thier (Maya), Trevor Snyder & Julia Needham. Also remembered by brothers Clinton Bechtel, Eldon & Bertie Bechtel, Lloyd & Beatrice Bechtel, sisters Mary & Ken Willsie, Avon Brophy, Gladys & John Hunsberger, and by sisters-in-law Verna Staniek and Elaine Snider.
Leonard was predeceased by daughter Esther Bechtel (2006), grandson Richard Wood, great-grandson Connor Lichti, brother Delford & Pearl Bechtel, sisters Ruby Bechtel, Elsie & Edwin Eby, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Hilda Bechtel, Joe Brophy, Clarabel Brubacher (in infancy), Ella & Maurice Woolner, Ivan & Marie Brubacher, Fred Staniek, Clifford Snider and by Owen's second wife Margaret Bechtel.
Friends and relatives may call at Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, 291 Huron St., New Hamburg on Wednesday (please note date) from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. On Thursday March 26, 2009 transfer will be made to Nith Valley Mennonite Church for the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Pastors Matthew & Hendrike Isert-Bender officiating. Reception to follow. Burial for both Leonard and Nora will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Mannheim Mennonite Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy donations may be made to Nithview Community Mobility Bus Fund, Nith Valley Mennonite Church, or MennoHomes Inc..
On-line condolences and donation information are available at www.markjutzifuneralhomes.ca
Lifetimes
____________
A couple in life and death
Nora Bechtel of New Hamburg
Born: Dec. 12, 1920 in Waterloo Township
Died: Feb. 25, 2009 of age-related illness
______________________________________
Leonard Bechtel of New Hamburg
Born:Aug. 19, 1916 in Waterloo Township
Died: March 19, 2009 age-related illness
April 28, 2009
Valerie Hill
RECORD STAFF
Leonard Bechtel spotted the pretty girl in the brown dress at church and was immediately impressed with her sensible demeanour. Nora Brubacher noticed him, too, but life can be funny sometimes.
There were two girls in brown dresses that day, so Leonard had a tricky time finding out the name of the right girl.
When he called to ask for a date, she thought it was another boy calling, one much too boisterous for her tastes.
She said no. Nora eventually learned of her mistake and decided to right the wrong by calling him.
That phone call would be the beginning of a union that would last 68 years, produce six children and a lifetime of service to their family and their Mennonite community.
The couple, married June 21, 1941, had lost their mothers years earlier, a tragedy which nevertheless provided them with a unique opportunity.
Without maternal ties, they enjoyed an unusual level of freedom, which they, in turn, passed on to their children.
"She and Dad always felt they were more free to do what they wanted," said daughter Martha Wood.
"It was important to let us be free, too." Then she added, "we did abuse it."
Despite the sometimes lax rules, there was never any question about Nora's deep love and expectation of hard work and a moral life.
Son David Bechtel explained "her life was her family and her home."
Early in their marriage, Leonard worked for a Preston construction company, a job interrupted by the Second World War when he was conscripted.
As a Mennonite, he would not engage in wartime duties and instead joined the alternative service as a conscientious objector, where his duties would be working in a lumber camp on Vancouver Island.
Leonard, ever the mechanical genius, was sent to work with engineers' designing equipment.
The experience must have had a lasting effect on the young man, who seemed unwilling to settle into his old life once back in Preston. Leonard soon started L.A. Bechtel Construction and later Preston Building Supply.
Over the course of three decades, he would build 700 homes in Cambridge, though money was never a motivating factor.
It was always about the people.
Early on, Leonard had been approached by the Mennonite bishop who requested he hire returning conscientious objectors, men who were often vilified in the community for refusing to fight.
As always, Leonard was eager to help.
After 35 years in business, Leonard retired from home building, but he wasn't ready to quit working and instead took a succession of jobs, including farming. He was also a founding member of the Wilmot Seniors Woodworking and Craft Shop in Baden.
David said his father was always serving on some volunteer board or other, while Nora was always making quilts, many of which were donated to the Mennonite Relief sale.
Though the couple helped their extended family and community, their contributions were never openly discussed. Daughter Norma Lichti explained "they lived their faith."
The family described the couple as polar opposites: he was always bubbling over with ideas for new projects while she was the steady, calming influence, more comfortable with the familiar.
Leonard loved to move house, Nora preferred to stay put. He was shy, she was outgoing.
Their differences and ability to compromise made their marriage strong.
And in the end, when it became evident Nora would die first, it was Leonard who held her hand for hours on end in their nursing home room.
Their marriage had been strong and enduring and in the end, they died less than three weeks apart.
Bechtel, Leonard Albert (L.A.)
Passed away suddenly on Thursday March 19, 2009 at his residence Nithview Community, New Hamburg. Leonard was born 92 years ago in Waterloo Township, a son of the late Owen S. & Melissa (Knechtel) Bechtel. He had resided in New Hamburg and was formerly of Preston and Doon. A house builder at heart, Leonard owned and operated L.A. Bechtel Construction Ltd. for over 35 years, and was the founder of Preston Building Supplies. In his retirement, Leonard enjoyed farming, working in his shop and being a founding member of Wilmot Seniors Woodworking and Craft Shop. He was an active member of Preston Mennonite Church and Nith Valley Mennonite Church.
Beloved husband of the late Nora (Brubacher) Bechtel who predeceased him only three weeks ago on February 25, 2009. Loving father of David & Muriel Bechtel of Kitchener, Martha & John Wood of London, Norma & John Lichti of New Hamburg, Dorothy & Richard MacBride of Waterloo, Shirley & Darcy Snyder of New Hamburg. Lovingly remembered by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren Greg Bechtel, Krista & Dave Alexander (Dylan & Sadie), John Wood (Meg), Lindsay & Brent Nevin (Ty), Chris & Kim Lichti (Abby & Garrett), Sarah Lichti, Jen & Josh Hiuser (Michaela, Kate & Maggie), Alisa & Ben MacBride-Smith, Jess & Neil Thier (Maya), Trevor Snyder & Julia Needham. Also remembered by brothers Clinton Bechtel, Eldon & Bertie Bechtel, Lloyd & Beatrice Bechtel, sisters Mary & Ken Willsie, Avon Brophy, Gladys & John Hunsberger, and by sisters-in-law Verna Staniek and Elaine Snider.
Leonard was predeceased by daughter Esther Bechtel (2006), grandson Richard Wood, great-grandson Connor Lichti, brother Delford & Pearl Bechtel, sisters Ruby Bechtel, Elsie & Edwin Eby, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Hilda Bechtel, Joe Brophy, Clarabel Brubacher (in infancy), Ella & Maurice Woolner, Ivan & Marie Brubacher, Fred Staniek, Clifford Snider and by Owen's second wife Margaret Bechtel.
Friends and relatives may call at Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, 291 Huron St., New Hamburg on Wednesday (please note date) from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. On Thursday March 26, 2009 transfer will be made to Nith Valley Mennonite Church for the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Pastors Matthew & Hendrike Isert-Bender officiating. Reception to follow. Burial for both Leonard and Nora will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Mannheim Mennonite Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy donations may be made to Nithview Community Mobility Bus Fund, Nith Valley Mennonite Church, or MennoHomes Inc..
On-line condolences and donation information are available at www.markjutzifuneralhomes.ca
Lifetimes
____________
A couple in life and death
Nora Bechtel of New Hamburg
Born: Dec. 12, 1920 in Waterloo Township
Died: Feb. 25, 2009 of age-related illness
______________________________________
Leonard Bechtel of New Hamburg
Born:Aug. 19, 1916 in Waterloo Township
Died: March 19, 2009 age-related illness
April 28, 2009
Valerie Hill
RECORD STAFF
Leonard Bechtel spotted the pretty girl in the brown dress at church and was immediately impressed with her sensible demeanour. Nora Brubacher noticed him, too, but life can be funny sometimes.
There were two girls in brown dresses that day, so Leonard had a tricky time finding out the name of the right girl.
When he called to ask for a date, she thought it was another boy calling, one much too boisterous for her tastes.
She said no. Nora eventually learned of her mistake and decided to right the wrong by calling him.
That phone call would be the beginning of a union that would last 68 years, produce six children and a lifetime of service to their family and their Mennonite community.
The couple, married June 21, 1941, had lost their mothers years earlier, a tragedy which nevertheless provided them with a unique opportunity.
Without maternal ties, they enjoyed an unusual level of freedom, which they, in turn, passed on to their children.
"She and Dad always felt they were more free to do what they wanted," said daughter Martha Wood.
"It was important to let us be free, too." Then she added, "we did abuse it."
Despite the sometimes lax rules, there was never any question about Nora's deep love and expectation of hard work and a moral life.
Son David Bechtel explained "her life was her family and her home."
Early in their marriage, Leonard worked for a Preston construction company, a job interrupted by the Second World War when he was conscripted.
As a Mennonite, he would not engage in wartime duties and instead joined the alternative service as a conscientious objector, where his duties would be working in a lumber camp on Vancouver Island.
Leonard, ever the mechanical genius, was sent to work with engineers' designing equipment.
The experience must have had a lasting effect on the young man, who seemed unwilling to settle into his old life once back in Preston. Leonard soon started L.A. Bechtel Construction and later Preston Building Supply.
Over the course of three decades, he would build 700 homes in Cambridge, though money was never a motivating factor.
It was always about the people.
Early on, Leonard had been approached by the Mennonite bishop who requested he hire returning conscientious objectors, men who were often vilified in the community for refusing to fight.
As always, Leonard was eager to help.
After 35 years in business, Leonard retired from home building, but he wasn't ready to quit working and instead took a succession of jobs, including farming. He was also a founding member of the Wilmot Seniors Woodworking and Craft Shop in Baden.
David said his father was always serving on some volunteer board or other, while Nora was always making quilts, many of which were donated to the Mennonite Relief sale.
Though the couple helped their extended family and community, their contributions were never openly discussed. Daughter Norma Lichti explained "they lived their faith."
The family described the couple as polar opposites: he was always bubbling over with ideas for new projects while she was the steady, calming influence, more comfortable with the familiar.
Leonard loved to move house, Nora preferred to stay put. He was shy, she was outgoing.
Their differences and ability to compromise made their marriage strong.
And in the end, when it became evident Nora would die first, it was Leonard who held her hand for hours on end in their nursing home room.
Their marriage had been strong and enduring and in the end, they died less than three weeks apart.
Passed away suddenly on Thursday March 19, 2009 at his residence Nithview Community, New Hamburg. Leonard was born 92 years ago in Waterloo Township, a son of the late Owen S. & Melissa (Knechtel) Bechtel. He had resided in New Hamburg and was formerly of Preston and Doon. A house builder at heart, Leonard owned and operated L.A. Bechtel Construction Ltd. for over 35 years, and was the founder of Preston Building Supplies. In his retirement, Leonard enjoyed farming, working in his shop and being a founding member of Wilmot Seniors Woodworking and Craft Shop. He was an active member of Preston Mennonite Church and Nith Valley Mennonite Church.
Beloved husband of the late Nora (Brubacher) Bechtel who predeceased him only three weeks ago on February 25, 2009. Loving father of David & Muriel Bechtel of Kitchener, Martha & John Wood of London, Norma & John Lichti of New Hamburg, Dorothy & Richard MacBride of Waterloo, Shirley & Darcy Snyder of New Hamburg. Lovingly remembered by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren Greg Bechtel, Krista & Dave Alexander (Dylan & Sadie), John Wood (Meg), Lindsay & Brent Nevin (Ty), Chris & Kim Lichti (Abby & Garrett), Sarah Lichti, Jen & Josh Hiuser (Michaela, Kate & Maggie), Alisa & Ben MacBride-Smith, Jess & Neil Thier (Maya), Trevor Snyder & Julia Needham. Also remembered by brothers Clinton Bechtel, Eldon & Bertie Bechtel, Lloyd & Beatrice Bechtel, sisters Mary & Ken Willsie, Avon Brophy, Gladys & John Hunsberger, and by sisters-in-law Verna Staniek and Elaine Snider.
Leonard was predeceased by daughter Esther Bechtel (2006), grandson Richard Wood, great-grandson Connor Lichti, brother Delford & Pearl Bechtel, sisters Ruby Bechtel, Elsie & Edwin Eby, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Hilda Bechtel, Joe Brophy, Clarabel Brubacher (in infancy), Ella & Maurice Woolner, Ivan & Marie Brubacher, Fred Staniek, Clifford Snider and by Owen's second wife Margaret Bechtel.
Friends and relatives may call at Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, 291 Huron St., New Hamburg on Wednesday (please note date) from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. On Thursday March 26, 2009 transfer will be made to Nith Valley Mennonite Church for the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Pastors Matthew & Hendrike Isert-Bender officiating. Reception to follow. Burial for both Leonard and Nora will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Mannheim Mennonite Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy donations may be made to Nithview Community Mobility Bus Fund, Nith Valley Mennonite Church, or MennoHomes Inc..
On-line condolences and donation information are available at www.markjutzifuneralhomes.ca
Lifetimes
____________
A couple in life and death
Nora Bechtel of New Hamburg
Born: Dec. 12, 1920 in Waterloo Township
Died: Feb. 25, 2009 of age-related illness
______________________________________
Leonard Bechtel of New Hamburg
Born:Aug. 19, 1916 in Waterloo Township
Died: March 19, 2009 age-related illness
April 28, 2009
Valerie Hill
RECORD STAFF
Leonard Bechtel spotted the pretty girl in the brown dress at church and was immediately impressed with her sensible demeanour. Nora Brubacher noticed him, too, but life can be funny sometimes.
There were two girls in brown dresses that day, so Leonard had a tricky time finding out the name of the right girl.
When he called to ask for a date, she thought it was another boy calling, one much too boisterous for her tastes.
She said no. Nora eventually learned of her mistake and decided to right the wrong by calling him.
That phone call would be the beginning of a union that would last 68 years, produce six children and a lifetime of service to their family and their Mennonite community.
The couple, married June 21, 1941, had lost their mothers years earlier, a tragedy which nevertheless provided them with a unique opportunity.
Without maternal ties, they enjoyed an unusual level of freedom, which they, in turn, passed on to their children.
"She and Dad always felt they were more free to do what they wanted," said daughter Martha Wood.
"It was important to let us be free, too." Then she added, "we did abuse it."
Despite the sometimes lax rules, there was never any question about Nora's deep love and expectation of hard work and a moral life.
Son David Bechtel explained "her life was her family and her home."
Early in their marriage, Leonard worked for a Preston construction company, a job interrupted by the Second World War when he was conscripted.
As a Mennonite, he would not engage in wartime duties and instead joined the alternative service as a conscientious objector, where his duties would be working in a lumber camp on Vancouver Island.
Leonard, ever the mechanical genius, was sent to work with engineers' designing equipment.
The experience must have had a lasting effect on the young man, who seemed unwilling to settle into his old life once back in Preston. Leonard soon started L.A. Bechtel Construction and later Preston Building Supply.
Over the course of three decades, he would build 700 homes in Cambridge, though money was never a motivating factor.
It was always about the people.
Early on, Leonard had been approached by the Mennonite bishop who requested he hire returning conscientious objectors, men who were often vilified in the community for refusing to fight.
As always, Leonard was eager to help.
After 35 years in business, Leonard retired from home building, but he wasn't ready to quit working and instead took a succession of jobs, including farming. He was also a founding member of the Wilmot Seniors Woodworking and Craft Shop in Baden.
David said his father was always serving on some volunteer board or other, while Nora was always making quilts, many of which were donated to the Mennonite Relief sale.
Though the couple helped their extended family and community, their contributions were never openly discussed. Daughter Norma Lichti explained "they lived their faith."
The family described the couple as polar opposites: he was always bubbling over with ideas for new projects while she was the steady, calming influence, more comfortable with the familiar.
Leonard loved to move house, Nora preferred to stay put. He was shy, she was outgoing.
Their differences and ability to compromise made their marriage strong.
And in the end, when it became evident Nora would die first, it was Leonard who held her hand for hours on end in their nursing home room.
Their marriage had been strong and enduring and in the end, they died less than three weeks apart.
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