Joel Duane Bechtold

Joel D. Bechtold, 63, of Middlelbury, died Sunday morning, February 5, 2012, at IU Health Goshen Hospital after a long term illness. He was born in Fort Wayne April 15, 1948 to Noble and Thelma (Overholt) Bechtold. He married Marcia Morse August 5, 1967 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Fish Lake. She survives. Also surviving are his mother, Thelma Syndram of Goshen; a daughter, Heather (Brad) Anglemyer of Goshen; two grandchildren, Chase Knoblock and Jane Anglemyer; a brother, Ron Bechtold of Champagne, Illinois; an aunt, Virginia Van Nuys of Goshen; several nieces and nephews; and a brother-in-law, Walt DeFord of Fort Wayne. He was preceded in death by a sister, Kay DeFord. A fireman, Mr. Bechtold retired from the Goshen Fire Department after 20 years in 1991. He then worked as Safety Director for the city of El Paso, Texas before returning to Goshen and working as Safety Manager for Starcraft/Smoker Craft. A member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Fish Lake, he enjoyed his grandson's sporting activities, his 2003 Corvette and bowling in the Wednesday Jesters League. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, February 9, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home where a 10 a.m., Friday, February 10, 2012, funeral service will be held. Goshen Fire Department Chaplains Jim Shrock and Gregg Lanzen will officiate. Burial will follow in Violett Cemetery, Goshen. Memorial contributions may be made to Goshen Fire Department or Goshen Cancer Center.