Daryl Bechtelheimer

D aryl H. Bechtelheimer, 91, of Sabetha, Kansas died Sunday, March 5, 2017 at the Apostolic Christian Home.

Daryl was born on January 26, 1926 the son of Harvey F. Bechtelheimer and Faye M. (Carpenter) Bechtelheimer on a farm south east of Sabetha, Kansas.  He attended Plum Creek rural school south of Fairview until 1939.  He then attended Rock Creek School north of Sabetha and graduated in 1940.  He then attended and graduated from Sabetha High School with the Class of 1944.  He served on the Sabetha Alumni Board of Directors for many years.

Daryl accepted the Lord as his Savior at an early age and was baptized in the Church of the Brethren.  After moving north of Sabetha he attended the Rock Creek Church where he served on several boards.  He later attended and joined the Sabetha Wesleyan Church.

Daryl was a member of the Nemaha County Farm Bureau and served on the board of directors for a number of years.  He represented the Nemaha County Farm Bureau at meetings in Washington D.C. on several occasions.  He was past president and board member of the Albany Historical Society.  Served on the Nemaha County Rural Fire District #5 Board for several years.  He also served on the Berwick Township Board for an extended period of time.  Daryl was a member of the Gideon’s International and it gave him great pleasure to offer Bibles and scriptures to children and college students so they could find the Lord as their Saviors.

Daryl married Grace G. Bennett on February 2, 1947 in Sabetha. To this union was born, Doyle Eugene, Wayne Earl, Lennis Ilene and Joann Marie. They lived around Sabetha all of their married life.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Grace Bechtelheimer on February 13, 2017; a daughter, Lennis Petr and a sister, Marjorie Kesler.

He is survived by his children, Doyle (Connie) Bechtelheimer of Sabetha, Wayne (Jean) Bechtelheimer of Wichita, and Joann Pendland of Overland Park; a son-in-law, Dan Petr of Blue Rapids; one brother, Paul Bechtelheimer of Sebring, Florida and seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and several step-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Thursday, March 9, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the Popkess Mortuary Chapel in Sabetha.  Visitation will be Wednesday, March 8, 2017 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Popkess Mortuary. Interment will be made at the Sabetha Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gideon’s International, sent in care of the funeral home, 823 Virginia, Sabetha, Kansas 66534.