Bechtel, Andrew Shelly (1874-1968)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1968 May 30 p. 11

Birth date: 1874 May 1, Pennsylvania
Date of Death: 1968 April 1

text of obituary:

REV. ANDREW S. BECHTEL

Andrew Shelly Bechtel was born May 1, 1874, on a farm near Boyertown, Pa., the elder son of John and Mary Shelly Bechtel, and passed away at his home on April 11, 1968. He reached the age of 93 years, 11 months,11 days.

He was baptized in May 1891 by Rev. A. S. Shelly and received into membership at the Bally Mennonite Church.

In 1897 he was graduated from Perkiomen School, Pennsburg, Pa., from Bucknell University in 1901 and Witmarsum Seminary in 1924.

While employed in business offices in Philadelphia, 1902-1916, he was active in First Mennonite Church, Philadelphia, being Sunday school superintendent for seven years.

He was married on Nov. 23, 1904, to Idella Hauck, daughter of David and Mary Hauck, in Philadelphia. Four children, Marie, Margaret (who died in infancy), Harold and Mabel were born to them.

The family resided in Bluffton, Ohio while he attended Witmarsum Seminary from August 1916 to 1919 in preparation for full-time service in the ministry. He served pastorates at Normal, Ill., Pulaski, Iowa, Summerfield, Ill., Deer Creek, Okla., and Hanston, Kan. until December 1945 when he and Mrs. Bechtel retired from the ministry and moved to Summerfield to make their home. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on Nov. 23, 1954. Mrs. Bechtel passed away May 12, 1960. He was the last surviving member of his family, being preceded in death by his parents and his only brother Harvey.

Surviving are Marie, wife of Donald Baer, Trenton, Harold of Deer Creek, Okla., and Mabel, wife of Orville Baer, Trenton; eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, eight nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

The Mennonite obituary: 1968 May 28 p. 378

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MLA Personal Photos Collection

Biographical note:
Boyertown, Pennsylvania
Son of John B. and Mary Anna (Shelly) Bechtel
Married Susie Idella Hauck 1904 November 23, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Minister -- Illinois, Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas

Bethel alumni note:

Photo holdings:
With wife and 3 children

Sources:
Photo from C.E. Krehbiel collection (by Olin Krehbiel 1982)
Grandma Online profile 774816
Find A Grave 110546254