Obituary of Ronald Jerry Bechler

MONTICELLO, IOWA

Ronald (Ron) J. Bechler, 79, of Monticello passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 23, 2022, surrounded by his devoted wife and children.

Ron was born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa, and married Nancy in June of 1967, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Sioux City.  Ron’s parents were Gerald and Lauretta Bechler.  A family memorial service will be held at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery.

Ron graduated from Central High School in Sioux City and graduated from Iowa State University in June of 1967, with a Bachelor’s Degree (BSCE) in Civil Engineering.  He accepted a position with Stanley Consultants in Muscatine, Iowa in 1967.  He obtained his professional engineer license in 1971 and received his Masters Degree in engineering from the University of Iowa in 1975.  While at Stanley Consultants for 18 years, he was assigned as senior structural engineer for numerous projects with Union Carbide Corp. and the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Desiring change in 1985, Ron accepted a position with Cuckler Building Manufacturing as Chief Engineer.  In 1987, Star Buildings wanted all engineering to relocate to Oklahoma.  Ron wanted opportunities elsewhere and joined Jack Miller and Associates, a private practice firm in Cedar Rapids.  He became a partner in 2 years and the firm’s name changed to M2B Engineers.  Ron worked on numerous school projects with architects in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and Waterloo.  In addition, he was structural engineer on projects with General Mills, Cargill, and industrial clients over 17 years.  Ron retired in 2007, achieving 36 years of professional engineering.

Ron had an interest in antique cars since high school.  He always loved Chevrolet the best.  He and his wife bought a 1936 Chevy in 1969, and 13 others followed. He joined the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America and served as region director and was a judge at numerous Chevrolet meets. The Chevys became a family affair and he drove in Monticello 4^th of July parades.  Fishing was another hobby that involved his whole family, especially with the grandchildren. Family was the center of his life.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, three beautiful daughters: Bethany (John), Lorraine (Rob), and Cynthia (Chad); and four wonderful grandchildren: Joseph, Ellise, Ashlyn, and Makenna; two sisters: Joan and Linda, and a sister-in-law, Carolyn (Jerry), and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Camp Courageous of Iowa or Jones Regional Medical Center Foundation.

To share a thought, memory or condolence with the family, please visit www.kramerfuneral.com.