Bernard "Ben" Francis Bechtel, age 85, of Conrath, passed away on November 3, 2025 at Care & Rehab - Ladysmith.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Connie; his parents, Carl and Bernice (Gottemoeller) Bechtel; his 3 brothers, Charles, Herbert and Donald; his sister Carol; a granddaughter Chloe; and his great-grandson Easton.

He is survived by his eight children: Blaise (Vickie) Bechtel of Jacksonville, NC; Brian Bechtel of Newport, NC; Brett (Ricki) Bechtel of Conrath, WI; Benjamin Bechtel of Conrath, WI; Benita (Brian) Rudi of Mill Spring, NC; Blaine (Kara) Bechtel of Rockmart, GA; Brandy (Forrest) Zimmerman of Chetek, WI; Brock (Jessica) Bechtel of Ladysmith, WI. Grandchildren: Charlie, Torri, Daniel, Edward, Jonathan, Chance, Jacob, Zachary, Joni, Kaitlin, Karri, Kelsey, Josh, Ben, Boston, Kyle, Sydney, Brooke, Hannah, Treye, Carter, Jadyn, Kamryn and 22 great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 14, 2025 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Tony with Fr. Joseph Kumar Mayakuntla and Deacon Doug Sorenson celebrating. Burial will follow in Conrath Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Thursday, November 13 at Nash-Jackan Funeral Home in Ladysmith and again on Friday beginning at 10:00 AM at the church.

A complete obituary will be published in the Ladysmith News and Sawyer County Gazette.