Ladean F. Bechen

Ladean Francis Bechen was born January 27, 1937, in rural Denison, Iowa, the son of Leo and Ellen Bechen. He passed away Tuesday, October 30, 2018, at Maple Heights Nursing Home in Mapleton, Iowa, at the age of eighty-one.
Ladean received his education in the schools near his home and graduated from Charter Oak High School with the class of 1955. On February 28, 1957, he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Creese at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison, Iowa, officiated by Father Casey. The couple made their home on a farm north of Schleswig, Iowa, where they began their life-long career of farming and was blessed with the birth of five children. They farmed there, milking cows and raising cattle and hogs. He was a long time member of the Schleswig School Board. They retired in the late 1980's and in 1992 built a home in Ida Grove, Iowa.
Ladean was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Ida County Right to Life and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ida Grove, and was involved in pro-life work in the region. He was employed at various jobs and was a talented woodworker. He was a hard working and loving husband and father. He was devoted to his Lord and Savior as evidenced by his love for his church and taught his family honesty and integrity. Besides his many charitable activities, Ladean found great pleasure in fishing and camping with family and enjoyed winters in Rockport, Texas for 18 years. He and Mary Ann also enjoyed trips to the eastern United States, Alaska, Jamaica, and Canada, also attending AMPI conventions. Social card games at family gatherings and with close friends and neighbors provided many memorable times.
Ladean was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include: his wife, Mary Ann; three sons: Nick and his wife, Kelly; Gene and his wife, Teresa; and Steven and his wife, Amy; two daughters: Cindy and her husband, James, and Nancy; twenty-two grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.