September 23, 2021 – West Bend, WI – Mary M. Bechwar (nee Schalles), 94, of West Bend passed away peacefully of natural causes on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at Froedtert Hospital West Bend. She was born August 10, 1927 to Oscar and Helen (nee Goeden) Schalles.
On June 21, 1947 she was united in marriage to Robert H. Bechwar at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Church in Barton. Bob preceded her in death on February 18, 2012.
Mary graduated from Holy Angels School and was one of the oldest living graduates. After high school she attended college for a year before marrying and starting her family with Bob. Once her children were school age she worked for many years at the Schloemer Law Office as a tax preparer.
Mary and Bob loved to bowl and they often went on bowling trips together. She also loved fishing and playing sheepshead, pinocle, cribbage and bingo.
Mary was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother and she enjoyed being a homemaker. Her skills as a homemaker were myriad, including reupholstering furniture, cooking, baking and sewing, which were invaluable to keeping her large household humming along. Mary also worked hard as a Cub Scout den mother, Girl Scout leader and member of the Christian Mothers of Holy Angels Church.
Mary is survived by her children: Timothy (Cindy) Bechwar of West Bend, Dave Bechwar of West Bend, Paul Bechwar of West Bend, Steve (Birgit) Bechwar of Munich Germany and Margaret Whatley of West Bend, and 6 grandchildren: Benjamin (Amy) Bechwar, Mara (Andy) Brunner, John Whatley, Alex Whatley, Julia Bechwar and Niklas Bechwar. She is further survived by her brother John (Beth) Schalles of Toledo, OH, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents Oscar and Helen Schalles, her husband Robert, 3 sons: Robert Jr., John and Matthew and 3 brothers: Clarence (Eleanor) Schalles, Robert (Rosemary) Schalles and Henry Schalles and her brother-in-law George Bechwar.
A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 4 p.m. at Holy Angels Catholic Church in West Bend with Rev. Howard Haase presiding. Private inurnment will take place at a future date. The family will greet visitors on Thursday at the church from 2 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials to the Holy Angels School Trust Fund, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or to the charity of your choice are appreciated.
Our family would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to the staff at Cedar Bay East and the nurses and staff at Froedtert Hospital West Bend for the loving and compassionate care given to Mary.
The Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend is serving the family. If you would like to leave a message of comfort and condolence please visit www.schmidtfuneralhome.com
