Howard Bechen, 92, of Mitchell formerly of Artesian, died Monday, Jan. 20, at Avera Brady Health and Rehab in Mitchell.
Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mitchell. Burial was in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Artesian.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bittner Funeral Chapel.
Howard James Bechen was born on May 30, 1927, to Ruben and Elizabeth (Mader) Bechen. He was born in Kadoka, South Dakota 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, he 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 and married Mary Beaner. 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 Cub, 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. He taught his family the value of hard work, tough love and devotion to God.
Howard passed away peacefully on Monday, January 20, 2020 surrounded by his loving wife, Mary and many of his children and grandchildren.
Howard is survived by his wife Mary (Beaner) Bechen; his children and their spouses, Doug (Renee) Bechen of Whitewood, SD , Sandy (Dick) Krantz of Winner, SD, Merl (Diane) Bechen of Mitchell, SD, Larry (Carn) Bechen of Chaska, MN, Joe (Donna) Bechen of Winfred, SD, Brad (Kathleen) Bechen of Huntsville, AL, John (Gayle) Bechen of Letcher, SD, Tom (Marie) Bechen of Mitchell, SD, Barbie (Greg) Becker of Little Elm, TX and Dave (Brenda) Bechen of Mitchell, SD. Howard had 34 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. All who loved him dearly.
Howard is 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.
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