Terry Bechtel

Terrence L. Bechtel, 77, of Brule, passed away September 11, 2023, at his home in Brule, NE.

Terry was born March 26, 1946, at Ogallala, NE, to Orville and Bonnie Jean (Caudy) Hoffman. Bonnie would eventually marry Guy Bechtel, and Guy would adopt Terry and love him as his only son. He graduated from Ogallala High School with the class of 1965. Terry also proudly earned the distinction of Eagle Scout before studying business at Chadron State College.

Terry would go on to marry Crystal Ludeman. The couple made their home in Denver and were blessed with two children, Lana and Mark. Terry worked at Wells Fargo Bank before taking a job with United Airlines, where he worked as a flight operations analyst for many years. Following his retirement, Terry moved to Brule to be closer to family.

On October 13, 2013, Terry was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. Paul's in Ogallala. On October 22, 2016, he married Geraldine (Grigsby) at St. Paul's. The couple resided at Brule, where Terry served on the Village Board. Terry also enjoyed working at Sapp Brothers for 32 years and driving bus for Ogallala Public Schools for 13 years.

Terry's faith was renewed and deepened later in life with his entry into the church at St. Paul's. It was there that he enjoyed a wonderful sense of family and community, drawing him further into the mysteries of God by experiencing the love and connection of His people. Terry loved going to church and hearing the Word, in addition to being involved in all the activities.

Life is filled with all manner of hills and valleys, but Terry's hope was in the Lord, who provides for and accompanies those who love Him. May he find eternal rest in Him who calms the seas with only His whisper.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Bonnie Bechtel, and other beloved family, Andrew Biel and Beverly Biel.

He is survived by his wife, Geraldine of Brule; daughter, Lana Bechtel; son, Mark (Sherry) Bechtel and their children, Keala and Sydney; sister, Kerri (Lane) Anderson and their children, Hunter (Trisha) Anderson, Lindsey (Tim) Krab; beloved family members, Jim (Misty) Biel and their children, Jamie and Jasmine; Julie (Brad) Johnson and their children, Alyssa and Colton; Twila Biel and her children, Mason and Kailey. Survivors also include his sisters-in-law, Joan (Dale) Clark & Barb (Steve) Woodrum, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorials are suggested to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Terry's memory. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.

Services will be on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ogallala, with Pastor Albert Bader officiating. Interment will be in the Ogallala Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ogallala.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.