Jerry Arthur Bechtel age 75 of Osawatomie, KS died Sunday December 4, 2016 in Life Care Center, of Osawatomie, with his wife children, grandchildren and brother present.
Jerry was born August 1, 1941, the second of three children born to Clarence Arthur and Ethel Marie (Ross) Bechtel. He grew up in Russell County, Kansas, attending country and later Russell City schools, graduating from Russell High school class of 1959. He helped his dad with primarily wheat farming, and when old enough, did plowing and driving the harvested wheat to the elevator. After high school, Jerry attended Fort Hays State University. He studied art, then later switched to Elementary Education, graduating with his bachelor’s degree in education. He met his wife to be, Jean Peden, while attending college. They married January 22, 1964. After living in Hays and summer school in Emporia, they made their home in Park, Kansas, where Jerry taught math and science, for four years. They then moved to Osawatomie in 1969, where he taught 6th grade math and some science for almost 30 years. Jerry and Jean had two children, Paul Arthur and Pamela Ann. He was a great father and grandfather, who loved to attend school and other activities. He enjoyed going to Sunday School class retreats to camp Chippewa with his family, where he was named "Bullet Bechtel", while playing touch football. His children and grandchildren have been very supportive and loving through this last journey, taking time off from work to transport, stay with and love on him. Jerry loved to watch K-State and the Chiefs. He would also support KU as long as they were not playing K-State. He enjoyed working in the yard, visiting with friends and family and was very adept at fixing things. After retirement, he played as much golf as he could and bought a winter cover for his cart to enable him to play in colder weather. He was really surprised, (which was nearly impossible to do) on his 70th birthday with a cleverly wrapped tube full of golf clubs. Even after he was too ill to play, he went to sit and talk with some of the golfers. His faith was important to him. He attended the First Methodist church in Osawatomie for many years. Later, he and Jean started attending church at Olathe Christian Fellowship, which is now, City Church. One of the highlights was a men and youth trips to Colorado, which included river rafting. He really had a great time. The members of his church have been instrumental in blessing him, teaching him and supporting him in this last journey. Jerry was a good guy. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Leroy Bechtel. Survivors include his wife of 52 years Jean, children Paul (Vickie) Bechtel of Osawatomie and Pamela (John) Vande Linde of Overland Park, KS, four grandchildren Dr. Amber and Jacob Vande Linde, Jerrod and Jasten Bechtel. One brother Roger Bechtel. Along with many other family and friends.