Obituaries
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Alice A Bechlem
Mar. 24, 1931 - Oct. 21, 2025 - Chilton, WI
Funeral Service
Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025
12:00 pm
54 E. Main St.
Chilton, WI 53014
Funeral Visitation
Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025
10:00 am - 11:45 am
54 E. Main St.
Chilton, WI 53014
Alice A Bechlem
Chilton WI
Alice A. Bechlem, age 94, of Chilton, Wisconsin passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Century Ridge in Chilton.
She was born March 24, 1931 in Chilton, daughter of the late Ludwig & Lorraine (Teuber) Hertel. She married William C. “Bill” Bechlem on August 18, 1951 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chilton; he preceded her in death on August 19, 1987.
Before marriage, she was employed at Pendl’s Clothing Store in Chilton. Following their marriage, Alice focused on the care of her family, especially her 4 children.
Alice greatly enjoyed her flower garden in the summertime. She had a very green thumb and loved taking care of all of her flowers and plants.
She also had a deep appreciation for music. Alice was famous for her Polka Dancing with her walker during the 2/5 Polka Band concerts. She often traveled solo to attend Appleton's Oktoberfest, musicals at the Appleton PAC and Broadway shows at the Fireside Theater in Fort Atkinson, WI. She was also especially enamored with the University of Wisconsin Marching Band.
She was a lifelong member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church, formerly St Mary's Parish, where she proudly sang in the church choir for over 25 years. With a deeply rooted Catholic Faith, Alice was also an active member of the Daughters of Isabella.
A high point in Alice’s life was accompanying Bill in 1968 on his new work assignment as an International Sales Agent for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company at Hahn Air Force Base in Germany. She loved living in Germany and traveling throughout Europe with her husband and children, especially the annual trips to Krimml, Austria for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
Alice’s other interests included spending time with her family, volunteering countless hours at both the Chilton Elementary School and St. Mary's Catholic School. Alice also volunteered at Wee Friends Daycare as well as the Chilton Senior Citizen Center.
During the winter months, Alice frequently could be found cross-country skiing through the fairgrounds and on the Manitowoc River with her girlfriends, Joan Bruckner, Gretchen Bloomer and Marilyn Nolan.
Survivors include her children: David Bechlem, Patrica (Jay) Bleiman, Bill Bechlem; her grandchildren: Josh (Jo) Bechlem, Maria Bechlem, Chris Bechlem, Kelly Bechlem, Benjamin Bleiman, Todd Bleiman; 8 great grandchildren; and her sister: Carol Boyle. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Lorraine & Ludwig Hertel; her husband William “Bill”; her son: Edward Bechlem; her siblings: Donald (Virginia) Hertel, Harold (Ceil) Hertel; and many other in-laws.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church (54 E. Main St.) in Chilton, with Fr. Jon Thorsen officiating. Friends may call from 10:00 am until 11:45 am at the church on the day of service. Alice will be laid to rest at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Chilton.
Alice’s family would like to extend a grateful word of thanks to Tracy and the extraordinarily caring staff of Century Ridge for all of the kind and personal attention that was provided to Alice over the last 8 years.
They would also like to recognize and praise everyone at Heartland Hospice, especially Owen, Nicole, Linda & Beth for helping Alice and her family navigate these unknown waters for the past 2 years with grace and care.
Our family would be remiss not to mention the exceptional care and kindness that Dr. Sharon Kaplon provided Alice for nearly 15 years. Alice was not allowed to leave the clinic until Dr. Sharon gave her that famous "therapeutic hug".
Condolences
I'm so sorry for your loss. It was wonderful getting to know Alice and being able to help provide care for her. I will always keep her close to my heart. Rest in peace Mrs.Alice ????
Emma cobb (Caregiver) 2025-11-03 22:34:16
Dave & Bill, Thinking of your family during this sad time. Your mom sounded like a great lady who lived life to its fullest! My deepest sympathy. Sue Pautz
Susan Pautz Gazda (Friend) 2025-11-03 17:59:24
Very sorry for your family's loss. She lived a good life. Hugs
Jim and Jodi Schumacher (Friend) 2025-11-01 11:12:18
Bill and Dave, so sorry for the loss of your mom. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Ginny Satzer (Friend) 2025-10-31 08:22:21
Bill, sending thoughts, p and hugs your way at the passing of your mom.
Ann Propson (Friend ) 2025-10-30 20:37:02
David, Thinking of you and extending my deepest sympathies to you and your family at this difficult time......
Nancy Schumacher (Friend) 2025-10-29 17:32:01
So sorry for your family’s loss
Mark Lbedyll (Neighbor ) 2025-10-28 23:29:22
David I pray you and your family find comfort knowing your mom thoroughly enjoyed life! Her strong faith can be celebrated as she’s now in her Heavenly Father’s loving arms. Meeting and spending time with your mom when she showed me her German treasures is a fond memory. She was a lovely woman and I’m sure a loving mom. Love to you always - Cynner
Cindy Eisold Larson (Friend) 2025-10-28 22:30:19
So sorry for the loss of you Mom. You & your family will be in my thoughts and Prayers
Victoria Kluge (Friend of Daves) 2025-10-27 15:34:22
Dave, So sorry to hear of your loss. I hope you can take comfort in knowing that your mom lived such a full and meaningful life — and that in her final chapter, she was surrounded by love, dignity, and the exceptional care you and others provided. That’s a testament not only to her legacy, but to yours.
Jim Kluge (Friend of the family) 2025-10-27 15:14:07
You have my deepest sympathy. Thoughts and prayers with the family.
Susan Schmidlkofer (Friend) 2025-10-27 12:55:13
Alice Bechlem Family you have my Deepest Sympathy and Prayers to comfort The family. MAY THE LORD BE WITH HER
Gary Lee Sturtz m (Friend to her children ) 2025-10-27 01:41:18
Bill--- I am so sorry to hear about your mom. May she rest in peace with Uncle Harold and Aunt cceil. Lots of hugs to you
karen pingel swonger (friend) 2025-10-25 17:24:54
So sorry for your loss. She was a sweet lady. Prayers and hugs to all of you.
Sue and Willy Parker (friends ) 2025-10-24 10:26:02
Sorry for your loss my prayers sending your way
Dale Hintz (Friend of family members) 2025-10-23 12:53:27
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts & prayers are with you.
Pauline Geiser (Acquaintance) 2025-10-22 20:32:58
My sympathy to your family.I always had some interesting talks with her.
Bonnie Ott (Friend ) 2025-10-22 14:41:16
So Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are being sent to you and your family
Connie Simon (friends) 2025-10-21 10:08:09
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