Zeona Jane Bechel

Zeona Jane Bechel passed away on August 31, 2026, at the age of 98.

Zeona was born on March 29, 1928, in Eau Galle, Wisconsin, to Albert and Lida Myers. She grew up in the area and later met Ed Bechel, whom she married in August of 1948. Together, they shared nearly 57 years of marriage before Ed's passing in 2005.

During their early years together, Ed drove truck while Zeona worked part time at the dime store and the Eau Galle Creamery. They eventually moved to Independence, Wisconsin, where they tried their hand at farming before returning to the Elmwood area in 1966. Later, Zeona worked at the Ellsworth Manor in the laundry department and at Hillcrest as a lunch lady and custodian.

Zeona was someone who enjoyed keeping busy and truly enjoyed being around people. She loved sewing, crocheting, reading, and baking, especially fresh bread. She enjoyed helping decorate cakes with her dear friend Barb Winger, sharing coffee with friends, and heading out to garage sales whenever the opportunity arose.

Bowling was another special part of Zeona's life. She was an excellent bowler who participated in many tournaments and especially looked forward to trips to the state bowling tournament. She also enjoyed traveling with Ed during his years as an over the road truck driver. In later years, the two enjoyed their camper, fishing, spending time by the lake, and simply being together.

Her faith and community were important to her. Zeona was active in the Methodist church women's society, and she and Ed spent many years working at the church stand during the fair.

Above everything else, Zeona loved her family. She treasured visits, time spent together, and watching her family grow through the generations. Even in her later years, she maintained her wonderful sense of humor and wit and enjoyed seeing familiar faces come through the door.

Zeona is survived by her children, Rodney (Jeanne) Bechel, Karen (Mark) Kehm, Brian Bechel, and Betty Anderson; daughter in law, Denise Bechel; special friend, Teresa Fleishauer; 11 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; and five great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ed Bechel; son, Richard Bechel; parents, Albert and Lida Myers; and siblings, Loma (Ralph) Hetrick, Joe (Dorris) Myers, and Alberta (Pete) Peterson.

Zeona lived a long life filled with family, faith, friendship, hard work, and plenty of laughter. Her quick wit, love of visiting, and devotion to those she loved will be fondly remembered by the many generations of family she leaves behind. 

The Bechel family would also like to extend a thank you to the Plum City care center staff and staff at Adoray hospice.

 A funeral service for Zeona will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at English Lutheran Church in Ellsworth, Wisconsin, with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Following the service, Zeona will be laid to rest at Maple Grove Cemetery in Ellsworth. A luncheon will follow the burial in the church parish hall.

 Arrangements are entrusted to O'Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-273-4421.