Rev. Paul Ignatius Bechtold

Rev. Paul Ignatius Bechtold, C.P., age 90, died Feb. 23 at Immaculate Conception Monastery in Chicago. He was a founding member and first president of the Catholic Theological Union (CTU) in Chicago, and a member of the Congregation of the Passion for 72 years. He is author of ''Catholic Theological Union at Chicago: The Founding Years 1965-1975. In the 1960's, he was active with the Christian Family Movement (CFM) in Chicago and helped to found the Chicago Cluster of Theological Schools. In 1997 the library at CTU was named the Paul Bechtold Library. In later years, Rev. Bechtold served as the pastoral chaplain at Resurrection Hospital on the northwest side of Chicago and was a member of its ethics board. He also served as chaplain to the Resurrection Sisters for 10 years. He is survived by his sister Mary Bechtold Frace and brother Dr. Joseph (Nona); and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Sunday, Feb. 27, 3 to 9 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, Talcott and Harlem Avenues, with a wake service at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass Monday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church. Interment All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Fr. Paul Bechtold can be directed to: The Passionist Monastery, 5700 N. Harlem Ave., Chicago, IL 60631. Arrangements by M.J. Suerth Funeral Home. For further information 773-631-1240, 847-823-6540 or www.suerth.com.