Jeff Bechtel Obituary

Jeff Bechtel attended Ontario High School in Mansfield, OH. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Jeff Bechtel.

Graduation Year	Class of 1966
Date of Passing	Dec 09, 2012
About	MANSFIELD: Jeffrey W. Bechtel knew that the times he showered his family with support and encouragement would leave a lasting impression on them of his love and devotion. Always there for them, his doting family gathered to support Jeff as he passed away in his home Sunday, December 9, 2012 following a year and a half long battle with cancer. He was 65. He was born February 25, 1947 in Butler, the son of Albert and Jean (Lowe) Bechtel, and was graduated from Ontario High School in 1966. Jeff served six years with the Air National Guard in Mansfield. A military aircraft enthusiast, Jeff could tell you just about anything you ever wanted to know about military planes. For over 20 years, Jeff worked for Weidner Pontiac in Mansfield. From selling cars, to performing services, Jeff did whatever needed to be done. He later owned and operated his own car lot, Colonial City Motorcars in Mansfield. More recently, Jeff was employed with Ballreich's Potato Chips, driving a route. On April 8, 1998 he married Kris L. best friend with whom he did everything. Together they enjoyed taking drives, usually on rural Ohio Routes looking for deer, bald eagles and other wildlife. Their adventures usually took them to the lake, sometimes several weekends in a row. More than their rare sightings, Jeff and Kris enjoyed just spending the day with no plan, together. A lifelong Richland County resident, Jeff was a member of the Liederkranz. He enjoyed sprint and NASCAR racing, though the races were not the same since the death of his driver, Dale Earnhardt, Sr. He also loved watching sports including football and baseball. His Ohio State Buckeyes were his favorite, and he "loved to hate the Browns". Jeff looked forward to and savored his mother-in-law, Toni's, butterscotch pie, one of his favorite foods, even during his last days. More than anything, Jeff truly enjoyed attending, and supporting his grandchildren in all of their extracurricular activities. From sporting events like soccer and tae kwon do, to music concerts and cheerleading, Jeff was in the stands or audience routing for his girls. Quite dry and somewhat sarcastic, Jeff's friends and family knew he was always up for a laugh. A pillar of strength and courage, Jeff will be remembered for his selflessness and kindness. He is survived by his wife Kris Bechtel of Mansfield, son and daughter-in-law Mike and Pam Bechtel of Mansfield, two granddaughters Ally and Ashleigh Bechtel, his mother-in-law Toni Estep of Mansfield, brothers and sisters-in-law Bill and Karen Estep of Mansfield, and Jean and Jimmy Reed of Lexington, a brother Allen and Sheila Bechtel of Bellville along with several nieces, nephews and extended family.