July 13, 1937 – November 5, 2023

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in St. Joseph for Herbert A. Bechtold, age 86, of St. Joseph. Reverend Brad Jenniges, OSB and Reverend Nick Kleespie, OSB will officiate. Herb passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at his home at Woodcrest in St. Joseph. Burial will take place in the St. Joseph Parish Cemetery in St. Joseph.

Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, November 9, and after 9 a.m. on Friday, both in the Heritage Hall at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Joseph.

Herb was born July 13, 1937 in St. Joseph, MN to John J. and Esther (Weyer) Bechtold. He married Darlene A. Kosel on May 7, 1960 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Joseph. He was employed by the St. Cloud Hospital as Manager of the Laundry Department for 39 years, retiring in 2000. He also bartended at the St. Joseph American Legion and worked at the Karmel Krisp Shop. After retirement, he enjoyed working with the Daniel Funeral Home as a greeter and funeral assistant. He was a life long and active member of St. Joseph Parish in St. Joseph and a member of St. Joseph Senior Citizens.

Herb enjoyed playing cards and much of his social life revolved around the card groups. He and Darlene enjoyed traveling and trips to the casinos.

Herb is survived by his sons Brian (Kirsten) of Sartell, Bruce (Pat) of St. Joseph and Brad (Jane) of Sauk Rapids, daughter-in-law Nicole of Holdingford, 9 grandchildren: Brianna (Al Flannigan), Spencer, Tanner (Kia), Samuel (Carrie), Mary (Blake) Bellefeuille, Ted, Kate (Matt Foman), Kelly (Bradley) Trapp, and Amy Gans, 7 great-grandchildren with one on the way, siblings Margaret Molus, Agnes Steichen, Anna (Robert) Reischl, Joseph (Joanne), Donald and David, as well as many nieces and nephews and his Woodcrest family.

Preceding Herb in death were his parents, wife Darlene (2018), son Brent (2017), brother Arnold (October 26, 2023) and infant brother Eugene.

Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers to the St. Joseph Catholic School in St. Joseph.

Guestbook

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I am so sorry to have missed the funeral for Herb. I met Darlene and Herb through my mother , Dolores Trettel when she was enrolled in TOPS with Darlene. I would frequently rin into Herb whenever we went to a funeral or to St Joe. He would always take tome to sit down with and take the time to visit for awhile.

He was always a bright light in my day whenever I saw him.

I know he is with Darlene again.

My prayers and symathy go out to each of you on the loss of this special oerson in your life

Mary Beth

Mary Beth Trettel , friend
November 11, 2023

So sorry for your loss, I worked at the St Cloud hospital back in the late 80’s in the laundry department with him, my sympathies.

Lisa (Voigt) Spoden , Former co worker
November 8, 2023

I am so sorry for the loss of Herb. I worked in the hospital and new Herb well. He would come up delivering laundry to Pediatric\’s when I worked there in the early 60\’s . He was a great man, respectful and respected by all. I new Darlene his wife when I brought my wash to the laundromat and Bruce, would stop in and say hi What a great family

Sharon Hadrich , Friend St. CLOUD HOSPITAL
November 7, 2023

I send my condolences to the family of Herb Bechtold. During college I worked at the St Cloud Hospital Laundry – between 1974 and 1977. Although this was almost 50 years ago, I have many fond memories of Herb. Manhandling loads of sheets out of the washing machines into the cart, to be ironed and folded at the huge mangle ironing machine. Complaining about the less savory dirty laundry from the surgical wards. Some of my favorite memories are of Herb’s sense of humor and playful interactions with the laundry staff – sometimes practical jokes were involved. When Herb joined a morning break celebrating a laundry staff person’s birthday the laughs were frequent; we all went back to work with smiles on our faces. Thanks Herb for being one of many people who made my college job fun and memorable.

Ellen (Clausing) Albares , Long ago Co-worker

Services

9 Nov

Visitation

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, St. Joseph

10 Nov

Services

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, St. Joseph

Schedule Details

Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, November 9, and after 9 a.m. on Friday, both in the Heritage Hall at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Joseph.