Joseph G. Bechler

SIOUX CITY | Joseph Gene "Joe" Bechler, 83, of Sioux City went home to be with his Lord and Savior Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012, at a Sioux City hospital. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Sunnybrook Community Church, with the Rev. Jeff Moes officiating. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Friday in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels.com. Joe was born on July 28, 1929, in Doon, Iowa, the son of John and Helen (Heidebrink) Bechler. He grew up in the Doon and George, Iowa, communities. He graduated from George High School in 1948. Joe married Mary Ann Wallenburg on Feb. 3, 1961, in Rock Valley, Iowa. He worked for Wilson Trailer Company in Sioux City for 25 years in the research and development and quality control departments. Joe was a member of Sunnybrook Community Church since 1965. He served as both a deacon and an elder on the church consistory. He was a member of the Corvette Club for about 20 years and was an avid die cast car collector. Survivors include his wife, Mary of Sioux City; and nieces and nephews from the families of John, Roy and Leo Bechler. He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, John, Roy and Leo. Memorials may be directed to Sunnybrook Community Church, STEMM (Siouxland Tanzania Educational Medical Ministries) or S.T.A.R.S. (Special Troopers Adaptive Riding School).