Howard Bechen

Mitchell

Howard Bechen, 92, of Mitchell and formerly of Artesian, died Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, at Avera Brady Health and Rehab in Mitchell. 

Funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 25, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mitchell.  Burial was in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Artesian. Visitation was Friday, Jan. 24, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with a prayer service. Bittner Funeral Chapel directed the arrangements.

Howard James Bechen was born on May 30, 1927, to Ruben and Elizabeth (Mader) Bechen.  He was born in Kadoka and joined the Navy after graduating high school in May of 1945.  Howard served in both World War II and the Korean War. 

After returning from the wars, Howard met and married Marg Moore. They were married on June 20, 1952. They were the proud parents of ten children. In January of 1982 the good Lord called Marg home. He then met Mary Beaner, and they were married on Dec. 23, 1983.

Howard was involved in many things other than ranching and farming. He was a member of the St. Charles Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the Artesian Saddle Club, the Moose Club, the VFW and the Artesian America Legion. He was a 4-H leader and received numerous conservation awards. He enjoyed riding horses to check his cattle, as well as camping and boating for relaxing. 

Howard is survived by his wife, Mary (Beaner) Bechen; his children, Doug (Renee) Bechen of Whitewood, Sandy (Dick) Krantz of Winner, Merl (Diane) Bechen of Mitchell, Larry (Carn) Bechen of Chaska, Minn., Joe (Donna) Bechen of Winfred, Brad (Kathleen) Bechen of Huntsville, Ala., John (Gayle) Bechen of Letcher, Tom (Marie) Bechen of Mitchell, Barbie (Greg) Becker of Little Elm, Texas, and Dave (Brenda) Bechen of Mitchell; 34 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren.

Howard was preceded in death by his first wife, Marg (Moore) Bechen; infant grandson, Ian Bechen; parents, Ruben and Elizabeth (Mader) Bechen; brothers, Russell, Donald and Edward Bechen; in-laws, Loraine, Carol, and Joyce Bechen, Melvin, Earl, and Bonnie Moore, and Joe and Bill Beaner; and one niece, Dixie Zoelle.

Comments are closed.

  • Weather

    Woonsocket
    May 31, 2023, 10:08 pm
    Clear
    80°F
    real feel: 78°F
    humidity: 42%
    wind speed: 4 mph WNW
    wind gusts: 7 mph
     
  • Upcoming Events

    June 2023
    Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
    May 28, 2023 May 29, 2023 May 30, 2023 May 31, 2023 June 1, 2023 June 2, 2023 June 3, 2023
    June 4, 2023 June 5, 2023 June 6, 2023 June 7, 2023 June 8, 2023 June 9, 2023 June 10, 2023
    June 11, 2023 June 12, 2023 June 13, 2023 June 14, 2023 June 15, 2023 June 16, 2023 June 17, 2023
    June 18, 2023 June 19, 2023 June 20, 2023 June 21, 2023 June 22, 2023 June 23, 2023 June 24, 2023
    June 25, 2023 June 26, 2023 June 27, 2023 June 28, 2023 June 29, 2023 June 30, 2023 July 1, 2023
  • Recent Posts

  • Contact Us

    Ph/Fax: 605.796.4221
    Email: swj4221@icloud.com

    PO BOX 218
    Woonsocket, SD 57385
  • Archives