Janet Bechtel

Janet N. Bechtel, 80, of Waukon, IA, died Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester, MN. Memorial services will be held Sunday, December 4th, at 4:00 PM at Martin - Grau Funeral Home in Waukon with Pastor Duane Smith officiating. Friends may greet the family from 1:00 PM until the time of services on Sunday at the funeral home.
Janet Neva Bechtel was born June 19, 1942, in Waukon, IA, the daughter of Lloyd Benjamin and Neva Grace (Deal) Bechtel. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion United Church of Christ in Waukon. Janet attended country school in rural Rossville and graduated from Waukon High School in 1960. On November 9, 1961, she married Kenneth Asleson in Michigan. They settled in Cedar Rapids, IA and had two daughters: Donna and Jean. A few years later they moved back to rural Rossville and became farming partners with Janet's parents. In 1970, they purchased a farm in rural Elon, and farmed there together until 1985 when they divorced. Janet then moved to Cedar Rapids where she pursued an over the road truck driving career, driving coast to coast for 19 years. Additionally, she attended Hamilton Business College in 1990 and received a degree in data processing. On August 15, 1992, she married Gary Mitchell at Zion United Church of Christ and they divorced in 2009. Janet loved working with and helping the older generation. In 2005, she attended NICC in Calmar, where she received her CNA certification. This allowed her the opportunity to use her skills at the local nursing homes and in home health care before she retired.
Her faith was very important to her. She was a member of Zion United Church of Christ, where she was active in the ladies' circles, Bible study, and served on the church council. Most recently, Janet had been attending church services at First Baptist Church in Waukon. Participating in family gatherings and celebrations were a priority. She enjoyed fishing, working in her garden, playing cards, and crocheting afghans for her children, grandchildren and close friends. It gave her great joy spending time with her daughters, their families and attending her grandchildren's various activities. Janet was an enthusiastic fan and cheerleader! Her pets gave her great companionship through the years. Being the perpetual giver that she was, the last thing she did was to give the gift of life by donating her organs and tissue.
Survivors include her two daughters: Donna (Duane) Larkin of Lake City, MN, and Jean (Brian) Krambeer of Rushford, MN; her very special friend Al Buege of Waukon; two grandchildren: Ben Krambeer of Milton, WI, and Charlie (Isabella) Krambeer of Maple Grove, MN; a sister-in-law Sherry Bechtel of Monona; and a brother-in-law Terry Hermeier of Waterloo. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother Dean Bechtel; and a sister Karen Hermeier.
Honorary urnbearers are her nieces and nephews: Dr. Michael Bechtel, NiCole Dennler, Angela Plaht, Daniel Bechtel, and Chad Hermeier.