Helen A. Bechler, (nee Kempf), age 84, of West Bend, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at the Kathy Hospice in the town of Polk.
She was born on July 28, 1924 in the town of Kewaskum to the late Fred and Anna (nee Retzlaff) Kempf. Growing up Helen attended the New Fane Grade School. She was united in marriage to Jerome Bechler on August 8, 1942 at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in New Fane. Together they raised a large family of 17 children, which were always Helen's priority. They were her life and she enjoyed seeing her family at various family gatherings. Helen's faith was always an important part of her life and she enjoyed being a long-time member of St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in West Bend. In her spare time Helen enjoyed reading.
Helen is survived by her 13 children, Doris (Ron) Fick of West Bend, Yvonne (Vernon) Hafferman of Muskego, Dennis (Marlene) Bechler of West Bend, Donald (Shirley) Bechler of West Bend, Richard (Jane) Bechler of West Bend, Barbara (Curtis) Carter of West Bend, Mary (Ron) Sartler of West Bend, Bonny Bechler of West Bend, Randy Bechler of Hartford, Dawn (Greg) Wiesner of West Bend, Denise (Craig) Gruber of Campbellsport, Jerome (Pamela) Bechler of Germantown, and Timothy (Kimberly) Bechler of West Bend. She is further survived by 28 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a sister, Irene Uhlmann of Oconomowoc; a brother, Henry Kempf of West Bend; and many other dear relatives and close friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome; four sons, Robert, Thomas, Ronald, and Rodney; two sisters; and nine brothers.
A funeral service in honor of Helen will be held on Friday, January 2, 2009 at 12:00 pm at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (809 S. 6th St. West Bend). Rev. Jeff Dorth will officiate and burial will be in Washington County Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the church on Friday, from 10:00 am until the time of service at noon. Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service of West Bend is assisting the family 334-2776.
Memorials to St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church Sing Praise Choir, or to the Kathy Hospice would be greatly appreciated by the family.