Ned Walter Bechthold

Bechthold, Ned Walter Surrounded by his family, Ned took the highway to heaven on May 9, 2014, at the age of 77. Beloved husband of Helen for 54 years. Proud father of Lynn (Chuck) Barney, Kurt (Lori), David (Marie-Pierre), and Chuck (Heather) and devoted, fun-loving grandfather to Nick, Claudia, Hayley, Jack, Hunter, Peter, Gretchen, Ellie, Mark, Andrew, Helen, and Henry. Dear brother of Ellen Bechthold and Nancy Dewey. Ned will be lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, other family, friends, colleagues and his Yorkie, "Lucy Girl". His devotion to his children and grandchildren was tireless. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a great role model. Ned truly enjoyed the beauty and serenity of the northwoods. His lifelong friendships in Florence, Wisconsin held a special place in his heart. Born on January 12, 1937, he graduated from Wauwatosa High School in 1955 and the University of Wisconsin - Madison, School of Engineering in 1959. Ned was a commissioned Officer in the US Army Core of Engineers after graduation. Ned was the Chairman Emeritus of Payne & Dolan, Zenith Tech, Northeast Asphalt and Construction Resources Management, companies that build roads and bridges throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan. Ned lived by a simple set of rules; God, family, and work. He was a man of great faith and a member of Fox Point Lutheran Church. Ned had a deep-rooted passion for Milwaukee's underserved communities and central city churches. He was actively involved in Boys & Girls Clubs, Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, Next Door, Sharp Literacy, PAVE (Partners Advancing Values in Education) among others. Ned served on numerous boards including Marquette University, Siebert Lutheran Foundation, The Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Bradley Sports Center and Chairman of St. Lukes Hospital, Milwaukee. Ned also received an honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Wisconsin and many business and civic awards. Visitation will be held Friday, May 16, at Fox Point Lutheran Church, Fox Point (7510 Santa Monica Blvd.) from 3 to 7 PM. A celebration of Ned's life will take place on Saturday, May 17 at 11:00 AM, at the Church of Gesu, Milwaukee (1145 W. Wisconsin Ave) with Rev. Frederick Zagone, S.J. and Rev. William Knapp of Fox Point Lutheran Church officiating. A reception will follow the service. The Marquette University parking lot F, at 12th and Wells St. will be available. There also will be valet parking. If desired, memorials in Ned's memory may be given to Fox Point Lutheran Church Central City Outreach Programs (7510 Santa Monica Blvd. Fox Point, WI 53217), Medical College of Wisconsin-Department of Neurology (8701 N. Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226) or the Florence County Library (400 Olive Ave., Florence, WI 54121). Ned saw his entire organization as part of his extended family. His success in business and life was based on the simple tenant of being a servant for good.