Joseph J. Bechlem

Joseph J. Bechlem, 56, of N6762 Hinn Road, Mt. Calvary, died Saturday, January 31, 2009, at the Hospice Home of Hope. He was born March 19, 1952, in Milwaukee. On September 1, 1973, he married Dorothy C. Braun in Fond du Lac. Mr. Bechlem was formerly employed by Mercury Marine for 14 years, and had previously worked at Wells Manufacturing. He was a longtime member of the 432nd Civil Affairs Brigade, US Army Reserve, and retired as a Master Sergeant. Joseph took part in the Cuban Boat Lift by providing housing and resettlement at Ft. McCoy; he was a Gulf War Veteran participating in Operation Provide Comfort where he ran camps in Northern Iraq giving aid and comfort to Kurdish refugees. He graduated from L.P. Goodrich High School and attended Moraine Park Technical College. Surviving is his wife, Dorothy, a sister, Paula (Peter) Klima of West Bend, three brothers-in-law, David Braun of Sheboygan, James "Oscar" Braun of Beaver Dam, and Richard (Joan) Braun of Mt. Calvary, two sisters-in-law, Joanne Braun of West Allis, and Ann Braun of Sheboygan Falls, and other relatives and friends. His mother, Dorothy Bechlem preceded him in death.



Visitation for Mr. Joseph J. Bechlem will be on Tuesday, February 3, 2009, from 4 to 8 pm at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. He will be inurned in All Faiths Mausoleum, Rienzi Cemetery. Memorials directed to the family will be given to the 432nd Family Support Group. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.ueckerwitt.comA special thank you to everyone who sent, cards, e-mails for the past 4 ½ years.