Raymond D. Bechen

Raymond D. “Ray” Bechen, 84, of Dubuque, Iowa was called home by the Lord on December 30th, 2018 at Hallmark Care in Mount Vernon.

Funeral service will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday January 7th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Deacon Jim Schmitt officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until time of service Monday at the funeral home. Entombment will be at a later date in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Ray was born on June 22, 1934 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Emil and Edna (Franz) Bechen. He married Elizabeth “Betty” Casey on July 4th, 1953 and they were happily married for 57 years. They owned and operated Ray and Betty’s Bakeshop in Galena, IL for many years. During that time Ray served as a Fireman and later worked for a private detective agency in Dubuque. He then worked many years with St. Dominic Villa as a maintenance engineer until retirement.

Ray was a strong faith filled man who served as a eucharistic minister. He enjoyed serving the community and volunteering. Raymond was known for his humorous side, who always played practical jokes on everyone he met. He was very passionate about music until the very end.

He is survived by his son Frederick; two daughters Margaret Dawn and Victoria (Brian); five grandchildren, Ryan (Lili), Caleb (Kerry), Jeshua (Kevin), Nicholas and Abagale (Brandon), along with 7 great grandchildren. Also surviving are his two brothers Joseph and Eddie (Clara).

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Elizabeth; a son John; three brothers Robert, Eugene and Donald; and a granddaughter Elishyah.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established. 

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