Obit: Becht, Francis A. (1917 - 2014)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Bauer, Becht, Bender, Chesmore, Gierz, Hall, Larson, Morrow, Neuendorf

----Source: The Tribune - Phonograph (Abbotsford, WI) 6/04/2014

Becht, Francis A. (12 JAN 1917 - 10 MAY 2014)

Francis A. Becht, 97, died Saturday, May 10, 2014, peacefully in his sleep at Country Terrace Assisted Living in Abbotsford.

Francis was born January 12, 1917, to Adolph and Martha (Gierz) Becht in Chicago. He attended school in Marshfield, and later in life decided to get his GED, passing with flying colors. After school he painted for his father, painting the first “Painted Lady” house in Marshfield. He moved to Milwaukee in 1940, following the love of his life, Evelyn L. Larson. They married June 23, 1942, at her parental home. They moved back to Marshfield in 1946. Francis worked at various businesses throughout his life, including Leath Furniture, Service Bakery, Zephor Gas Station and Weyerhaeuser. He loved to hunt, fish and spend time with his family, always joking with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

After his wife, Evelyn, died on March 18, 1966, Francis was left with five children to raise. You are our hero, Daddy, and we love you and will miss you. But we know you are looking down with our mom on your arm once more.

Francis is survived by his children, Julianna (Arlen) Bender, Catherine (Terry) Morrow, Kristin (Charles) Neuendorf, Lawrence (Barb Perry) Becht and Terrance Becht; his grandchildren, David (Shelly) Bender, Richard (RaeJean) Bender, Allan Bender, Kimberly (Nate Bauer) Bender, Ryan (Heather) Bender, Rebecca (Jeff) Hall, Jeffery (Jessica) Chesmore, Kelly Chesmore, Casey Chesmore, Shane Chesmore, Darrin (Jennifer) Neuendorf and Daryl (Kirstia) Neuendorf. Francis is further survived by his great-grandchildren, Sean, Cody, Brandon, James, Alex, Christian, Vanesa, Megan, Nick, Lucas, Derek, Raeghan, Kyle, Dylan, Tre, Thomas, Tyler, Makenna, Carver, Troy, Justin, Lainey, Lita, Deion, Braedyn and Kaelynn.

Francis was predeceased by his wife, Evelyn; his parents; two brothers; two sisters; and one grandson, Dan.

Private graveside service will be Saturday, June 7, 2014, at 11 a.m.

Arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home and Cremation Service-Spencer.

Please share your memories at www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com.