Jack Martin Bechtel

Jack Martin Bechtel, 81, of La Grande, died Nov. 10 at Grande Ronde Hospital. A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. today at Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center.

Jack was born Nov. 26, 1930, to Audas and Mary (Schaeffer) Bechtel in Wallowa. He graduated from Wallowa High School and served honorably in the U.S. Army.

On Feb. 9, 1955, Jack married Berniss Caudle at the First Christian Church in La Grande. They lived in various places before settling in La Grande in 1972. Jack worked as a helicopter pilot for a variety of companies including the USFS and then for Rambling Rotors. He retired from piloting in 1992 and went to work for Union County as a mechanic until his retirement in 2002.

Jack was an active member of the La Grande Rifle and Pistol Club and was a member of the Grande Ronde Bush Pilots. Since his retirement he has enjoyed spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Berniss Bechtel of La Grande; children, Lori Bechtel of Scappoose, Lisa Bechtel of La Grande, Christopher Bechtel of La Grande and Brian Bechtel of Scappoose; four grandchildren; and siblings, Verle Bechtel and Beth Mosher, both of Salem.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Oregon Heart Association.

.