Helen R. Bechtel

Helen Romaine Bechtel, 96, of Hanover, PA, entered God’s eternal care, Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Homewood at Plum Creek, Hanover, PA.

Born July 12, 1922 in Jackson Township, PA, she was the daughter of the late Wilfert H. and Viola (Folcomer) Wildasin.  Helen was the loving wife of the late William B. Bechtel, Sr., who died May 5, 1966.  

Helen was a 1940 graduate of Spring Grove High School.  She was a member of Grace United Church of Christ and was a former Sunday school teacher.  Helen was a member of the Y-Wives, the Study Club and the Hanover Elks Ladies’ Auxiliary.

Helen and her husband, William, started Bechtel Pretzels, they were acquired by Snyder’s of Hanover and their recipe became Snyder’s Sour Dough Pretzels.  She retired from Snyder’s of Hanover in 1982. 

Helen loved to travel, taking her first plane ride alone to California.  She also attended Pearl Harbor ceremonies twice in Hawaii, visited Montreal, Puerto Rico and Florida.

Helen is survived by her children, Linda L. Bechtel of Lancaster, PA, and William B. Bechtel, Jr. of Hanover, PA; a granddaughter, Gretchen M. Reilly of Amber, PA; two great grandchildren, William D. Runner and Trinity C. Doman both of Ambler, PA; and a sister, Margaret Martin of Dover, PA.  She was preceded in death by a grandson, David E. Reilly and two siblings, Philip Wildasin and Phyllis Martin.

A funeral service to celebrate Helen’s life will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, December 8, 2018 at Grace United Church of Christ, 100 Fourth Street, Hanover, PA with Rev. Bonnie J. Whittier officiating.  A time to share memories with the family will be held from 10:00-11:00 AM, Saturday, December 8, 2018 at the church.  Burial will be in Rest Haven Cemetery, Hanover, PA. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Helen’s memory may be made to Grace United Church of Christ, 100 Fourth Street, Hanover, PA 17331.

The Kenworthy Funeral Home, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA has been entrusted by the family with the funeral arrangements.  Memories and condolences may be shared at www.kenworthyfh.com.

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