Anaruth Bechtel

Anaruth H. Bechtel, 88, of Waukon, IA, died Friday, August 11, 2017, at her home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 16th, at 11:00 AM at Zion United Church of Christ in Waukon, with Pastor Samantha Houser officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may call from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Tuesday at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon.

Anaruth Heloise Christianson Bechtel was born May 19, 1929, in Rochester, MN, to Andrew Cornelius and Hilma Cornelia (Larson) Christianson. She grew up in Allamakee County, IA, attending the rural Fan School and Waukon High School. Although she was unable to finish high school as a young girl she received her GED later after most of her children had graduated themselves.

On October 1, 1947 she married Karl William Bechtel. Together they farmed east of Waukon until 1977. Anaruth worked at the Northern Engraving factory and as a nurse's aid at Veterans Memorial Hospital. When their daughter Alice became ill she cared for her in their home for about 12 years.

Anaruth lived a very active life whether working on the farm or outside the home. She sewed, knitted, crocheted, embroidered, quilted, and refinished some furniture pieces for her home. She also enjoyed baking and gardening, preserving much of the produce she grew.

Anaruth was baptized, confirmed, and married at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church. After she was married she was active in Zion United Church of Christ in the women's fellowship and taught Sunday school for a few years. The church and her faith were very important to her; as was her family and spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her children: Helen (Leon) Clark of Hopkins, MN, Herb (Nona) Bechtel of Richland Center, WI, Randy (Sharon) Bechtel of Poseyville, IN, and Nancy Bechtel of Waukon; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters: Hilmen (Lillian) Christianson, Ione Rema, Margaret Herman, Clifton (Charlotte) Christianson, all of Waukon, Carmen (Marge) Christianson of Preston, MN, Norman (Gayle) Christianson of Vallejo, CA, and Vivian (David) Benjegerdes of Postville, IA; an aunt Lillian Larson of Waukon; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by both her parents Andrew Cornelius and Hilma Christianson; her husband Karl Bechtel, who died in 2006; an infant daughter Phyllis Ann and daughter Alice Marie Bechtel; and a brother Virgil Christianson.