Barbara M. Bechtel

Barbara M. Bechtel

(nee Verville)

Passed away on Thursday, July 28, 2022, age 96. Sister of William (the late Nancy) Verville. Proud grandmother of Therese “Terri” (James) Storti and Tammy (Dave) Renaud. Great grandmother of Sidney, Nicholas and Cory. Preceded in death by her husband Claude N. Bechtel and her son Claude “Mike” M. Bechtel.

Barbara, a Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and friend to all. She was no question, sent here to serve and care for those around her. Compassionate, kind, gracious, and selfless is what most think of when they hear her name. Always a smile, a genuine care for everyone she met. She loved her family. Her husband has been gone for 20 years this September and in those years, she spent most of her time traveling and spending time with her Great Granddaughter, Sidney. They were quite the duo, without question, best of friends. The adventures they had together will never be forgotten, it was a very special bond. She loved family gatherings, trips with the girls, Mission trips, winery tours, shopping, literally any adventure – she would be there. At 96, she spent spring break at Universal Studios and Disney World, still so full of life and that adventurous spirit.

Getting her education was very important to her, and she did just that. Making things work is what she did best, like selling a litter of German Shepherd pups to help pay for schooling essentials, while her husband was busy working the family farm. Nothing was holding her back. She was a graduate of Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing and Marquette University School of Nursing and the Wisconsin Senior Statesman Program. She used her degree and found passion in Public Health. She started her lengthy career as the Public Health Nurse of Granville, soon after, The Director of the Brown Deer Health Dept, when it incorporated. In 1989, she was recognized as Milwaukee County Public Health Nurse – Administrator of the Year.

Her dedication to her community, especially the seniors, led her to her appointment to the Milwaukee County Commission on Aging where she served as Chair for 6 years. She was an active participant in the Commission’s Advocacy Committee, Nutrition Council, Advisory Council and Intergenerational Council. In 2012, she was also appointed by the Governor to the Board on Aging and Long-Term Care where she spoke before the Wisconsin Senate to advocate for the needs of seniors.

With nearly 50,000 volunteer hours to her credit, she brought a wealth of expertise and knowledge, as well as her enthusiastic and good-natured personality to everything she does for the commission, for the older people of Milwaukee county and the state as a whole.

She has volunteered in numerous, but different capacities throughout the community such as the Brown Deer Public Library, the Brown Deer Historical Society, the North Shore Board of Health, Horizon Home Care and Hospice, Fire Department Social Club, St. Catherine’s Senior Citizen Club, Brown Deer Police Department Candidate Assessment Committee, the Brown Deer Women’s Club and Brown Deer Senior Citizens Club. One of her favorite places to volunteer, as well as just sit and visit, is the senior dining site in Brown Deer. She loved serving meals at the Lois and Tom Dolan Community Center and bringing smiles to people’s faces since 1998.

Some other notable honors include Brown Deer Citizen of the Year, Milwaukee County Public Health Nurse of the Year, the Wisconsin Public Health Basic Prevention Award and recognition in the Milwaukee County Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. She was past president of Wisconsin School Health Association and past vice president of Wisconsin Public Health Association. She has served on the North Shore Board on Health and the Facilities Study Committee for the Brown Deer School District. She had been active in public health and advocacy for over 60 years.

It’s very important to recognize all of the amazing friends in Barbara’s life, she’s shared so many memories from your time spent together. Special thanks to one great friend and neighbor, Mary Paull (and family). You’re a blessing, Mary.

Visitation will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 7001 West Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53223, on Thursday, August 4, 2022, from 4:00 PM – 6:45 PM. Vigil at 7:00 PM. Additional visitation will be held at St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church, 8661 North 76th Place, Milwaukee, WI, 53223, on Friday, August 5, 2022, from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, if you chose, considerations for memorials are appreciated to Brown Deer Scholarship Fund or to St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church.