Iris Bechtle

Iris Bechtle of Montevideo died on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at Luther Haven Nursing Home at the age of 98.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 10:30 AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Montevideo.  Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church.

Iris A. Reinke was born in Swanville, MN on September 14, 1920 , the second daughter of Geo H. and Emma (Trampe) Reinke.  She was baptized and confirmed at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Swanville.  She graduated from Swanville High School in 1938 and then earned a two year elementary certificate from St. Cloud State Teacher’s College. Iris was united in marriage to Donald J. Bechtle on June 21, 1947 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Montevideo.    She taught in Minnesota public schools for seven years, the last three in Montevideo.  Following the death of her husband she was employed by Bodes Gamble Store and Lumberman.

Iris was an active member of her church and was involved with Sunday school, Bible classes, choir, church library, altar committee, quilting and women’s groups.  She especially enjoyed her membership in a Homemakers Club that was organized in 1950 of which she was a charter member.  Iris appreciated being able to follow her grandchildren’s activities in Montevideo.  Sewing and needlework were among her favorite pastimes.

Iris is survived by her children: Leon, Montevideo, Jay (Chee Chong), Willmar, Doreen (Jim) Murray, Winnipeg, Canada; two grandchildren: Pamela (Allen ) Jacobson, Donny (Kate) Bechtle, great-grandchildren: Caden and Alex;  four nieces; seven nephews; and a sister-in-law, Marie Reinke.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Don in 1975; her in-laws; a step-mother;  sisters: Ardith (Gordon) Bailey and Rhea (Merle) Lee;  brother, Robert Reinke; sister-in-law, Vermona (Reuben) Morahn; brother-in-law,  Ray (Lee) Pitts; and one nephew.