Charles F. Bechtold, 85, died at 8:45 p.m. Sunday, April 22, 2012 at Rosewood Care Center in Alton. Born September 16, 1926 in Dow, he was the son of Frank and Mary (Cronin) Bechtold. He served in the U.S. Army 25th Infantry and was a lifetime member of the 25th Infantry 38th Division. He was also a member of the VFW Post 1308 and a member and past president of the Retirees Machinist Union Local 660 Club and a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey. Mr. Bechtold retired from the Brass Mill at the Olin Corporation. He was an avid gardener and was friendly, well liked and never met a stranger. On October 10, 1959 he married the former Helen Marie Justison at St. Ambrose Catholic Church. She survives. Also surviving is a daughter, Dianne M. Gordon (Dave) of Brighton, a son, Eric J. Bechtold (Tonya) of Alton, two grandchildren, Tyler Henry Boren of Wilmington, NC, and Seth Charles Boren of Grafton and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by five brothers, Bernard, Francis, Elmer, Albert and Clarence Bechtold, and two sisters, Lavina Rue, and Dorothy “Dolly” Carlisle. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. A Mass of Catholic burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 26, 2012 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey. Father Steve Pohlman will officiate. Burial will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Beltrees with full military honors by the VFW Post 1308. Memorials may be made to the VFW Post 1308 Ritual Team. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
