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William Bechthold Obituary
Lodi, CA
William John Bechthold
Jan. 8, 1921 - Dec. 15, 2009
William John Bechthold, 88, of Lodi passed away Tuesday December 15th, 2009. He was a Lodi native and was born January 8th, 1921.
Mr. Bechthold attended Victor Elementary and graduated from Lodi Union High School in 1939. He graduated from National Technical School in Los Angeles in 1941.
He was the founder and owner of "Bechthold Tractor Service, Inc." and designer and manufacturer of "Trim N Prun" vine trimmer as well as a wine grape grower.
He was married to Norma Jean Bechthold for 60 years before she died August 11th, 2004. He has been a long-time member of Ebenezer Congregational Church (his family were founding members). He was a member of the Model 'A' Ford Club of America and a founding member of Tokay A's Model 'A' Club.
Also a member of the Hart Parr Oliver Club of America and a founding member of California Oliver Cletrac Club. He was a Lodi Grape Festival Board Director Emeritus and Past President.
Also, San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum. His hobbies included restoring Cletrac and Oliver Antique Tractors (and was known throughout the United States for his expertise in Cletrac and Oliver Tractors which have appeared in tractor magazines and calendars), restoring tractors for Micke Grove Museum, travel in the US and Europe and restoring Model A's.
Visitation will be Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Donahue Funeral Home. Private graveside services will be held at the Lodi Memorial Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the San Joaquin County Historical Society & Museum "Tractor Collection", P.O. Box 30, Lodi, CA 95241-0030.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Bechthold
Bonnie Patrick
December 28, 2009
Dear Bill and family,
Please forgive my belated condolences to your father's passing. As you may know, I lost my father this year, too. It is very sad. I hope you made it through the holidays OK. All my best.
Bonnie (Locke) Patrick
Mike Henry
December 21, 2009
I will always remember stopping by the shop and seeing his smile as he looked for the doughnuts.
Antonio Solari
December 21, 2009
It is of great saddness to hear of Mr. Bechthold's passing. I enjoyed such great brief times in the shop ,watching Father and son in action. I was witness to of some of Mr. Bechthold knoweleged being passed down to Bill and how Bill would take that knowledge and build on that experience to a higher level. I pray that one day, that I may have such an enriched relationship with my children.
Antonio Solari
December 21, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
LYNN THOMPSON
December 19, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Rev. Elmer Scofield
December 18, 2009
May God hold you all in his embrace of comfort, peace and love.
Love In Christ,
Rev. & Mrs. Elmer W. V. Scofield
St. Stephen's United Church of Christ
York, Pennsylvania
December 18, 2009
Dear Bill, Leonora, Evonne & Jennelle, We are so sorry to hear that your Dad passed away. Please, accept our condolences.
Connie & Merlyn Pfeiff
Jennelle Bechthold
December 18, 2009
I will miss you Grandpa. I know you are at peace and rejoined with Grandma in heaven.
David Cabral
December 17, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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