1951-2026
David A. “Dave” Bechtel, 75, of Bellefontaine, passed away peacefully with his family present on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, in Anchored Heart Assisted Living, Goodrich, Michigan.
He was born in Dayton, Ohio, on April 13, 1951, the son of the late Carl F. and Bernice M. (Gottemoeller) Bechtel.
On November 11, 1972, he married Susan K. (Vellenga) Bechtel, and she survives. He is also survived by a son, Travis (Keri) Bechtel of Goodrich, MI, a granddaughter, Reghan Bechtel and a grandson, Ethan Bechtel, three brothers, Tom (Becky) Bechtel of Kenton, Randy Bechtel of Bellefontaine, and Rick (Bernadette) Bechtel of Texas, three sisters, Therese (Keith) Calland of St. Paris, Jodi (Ray) Prater of Bellefontaine, and Gina (Dan) Huffman of Piqua, a brother-in-law, Nick Jarnagin, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Charles, Bernard, Don, and Herb Bechtel, and a sister, Carol Jaranagin.
David graduated from Indian Lake High School in 1969 and later from Lincoln Technical Institute. He spent much of his career as an auto mechanic. He cherished time with his wife and family and especially enjoyed annual trips to South Dakota to hunt pheasants with his son and, later, his grandson. He and Susan also frequently traveled to Michigan to spend time with Travis, Keri, Reghan, and Ethan.
A Celebration of Life is currently being planned, and details will be released soon.
Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association Miami Valley, Chapter, 6077 Far Hills Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45459, or online at www.alz.org/dayton/donate, or to Logan County Cancer Society c/o Mary Rutan Foundations, 205 Palmer Avenue, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311, or to Dementia Society of America by visiting https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate
EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER, BELLEFONTAINE, is honored to serve the Bechtel family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.eichholtzdaring.com
