Gerald Francis Bechtle

RESIDENCE HISTORY: He grew up in Ottawa. After graduating from Kansas University, Lawrence, he moved to the Chicago area, then to the Kansas City area in 1955, returning to Ottawa in 2001. EDUCATION: Gerald graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 1939 and Ottawa University with the class of 1943. He completed graduate school at Kansas University, receiving his Master of Science degree in 1950. OCCUPATION & BUSINESS: Mr. Bechtle was a research chemist. He was employed by Sherwin-Williams Paint for seven years, Midwest Research Institute for 13 years and Cook Paint & Varnish Co. for 20 years, retiring in 1987. GOVERNMENT SERVICE: He served in the United States Navy and Naval Reserve as Lt. (J.G.). He was a communications officer in Guam during World War II. MEMBERSHIPS: He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Ottawa, and past member of American Chemical Society, and a member of Alpha Xi Sigma Chemistry Fraternity. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from First United Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 16, 2005. OFFICIATING CLERGY: Pastor Harriett Bechtle and Pastor Roger Noah. IN STATE: Friends may pay their respects to Mr. Bechtle after 1:00 p.m. Thursday at Dengel & Son Mortuary to service hour, where the family will meet with friends 7 to 8:00 Friday evening. CEMETERY: Princeton Cemetery, Princeton, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to First United Methodist Church Foundation for Scholarships, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, KS 66067. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through dengelmortuary@sbcglobal.net.