Floyd Leroy Bechtold, 77

Floyd Leroy Bechtold, age 77, passed away on June 26, 2020 at his home with family by his side.

Floyd was born on April 25, 1943 to Christian and Lydia (Bliege) Bechtold, in Ellendale, North Dakota.

Floyd attended Dallas High School in Dallas, Oregon, where he graduated in 1962. He then went on to attend Hillcrest Christian College in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada.

Floyd joined the U.S. Air Force where he was an Aircraft Engine Mechanic Foreman until he was honorably discharged in 1972. He then made his career as Fireman Lieutenant for the City of Kalispell from 1974 through 1997 (23 years). He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, hiking, camping, buying and selling cars, car restoration, building homes, and was a motorcycle enthusiast. He took pride in the active participation of building the Kalispell Nazarene Church. He was the Layman’s Retreat Director and Family Camp Director for a number of years.

Floyd was preceded in death by his parents Christian and Lydia (Bliege) Bechtold and brothers Herold and Ted Bechtold.

He is survived by his wife; Leigh Ann Bechtold of Kalispell; daughter Christi Nielsen and son-in-law Jerry of New Orleans, Louisiana; sister Doris Russell of Keizer, Oregon; Grandson Colby Coen of Kalispell; his daughter’s mother Lea Dickey Bechtold of Kalispell; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at Kalispell First Church of the Nazarene – 1295 Whitefish Stage Rd. The family is requesting that everyone please follow social distancing guidelines.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to The Flathead Veteran Food Pantry. Friends are encouraged to visit our website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.