WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Warren Daniel (Beck) Bachtel, age 83, of White Pigeon, died Tuesday, July 7, 2009, at Heartland Health Center in Three Rivers after a short illness.
He was born in Mishawaka on Nov. 1, 1925, a son of Merrell and Martha Overholser Bachtel.
He had lived in the White Pigeon area since 1971, coming from Millersburg and northern Indiana.
He married Lillie Mae (Daisy) Sheperd on May 1, 1954, in New Paris, Ind.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He worked as an auto mechanic at Grants Auto Clinic in White Pigeon and at other auto repair shops. He was also self-employed. He worked as a farmer and truck driver, and he also repaired vintage tractors.
He was a member of the Church of Christ, the Constantine American Legion, the Millersburg American Legion, the DAV in Sturgis and the St. Joe Valley Old Engine Association. He was a charter member of the Northeast Indiana Steam and Gas Association. He also was an avid collector of farm toys.
He is survived by his wife, Lillie Mae Bachtel of White Pigeon; a daughter, Brenda L. (Gordon) Bickel Jr. of Jones; a son, Daniel Bachtel of White Pigeon; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Thelma “Becky” Mishler of Dunlap, Ind.; a brother, Homer (Mabel) Bachtel of Syracuse, Ind.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one grandchild and one great-grandchild.
There will be no visitation or funeral service. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by Farrand Funeral Home in White Pigeon, Mich.
