Wilhelm L. Bechteler (Willy), 92, of Syracuse, New York, passed away on January 28th, 2024. Born in 1931 in Wangen Im Allgäu, Germany, Willy immigrated to the US in 1954; he then joined the US Air Force and gained American citizenship. In 1958 Willy married the love of his life, Virginia (Ginny), who predeceased him in 2021, and settled in Syracuse.

Willy was a Master Tool And Die Maker and worked as an engineer; he retired in 1990 as Vice President of Marquardt Switches. He was a charter member of the Arion Singing Society's "Stein Club", Chairman of the local Society of Manufacturing Engineers, served on the New York Skilled Workers Emeritus Program, and was the Director at Mystic Mountain Ski School.

Together, Willy and Ginny raised 4 children: Rosemarie Bechteler-Bush (Tim), Mark (Val), Heidi Sanders (James), and Donald. Willy and Ginny's family grew to include 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Willy was a solid and honest man, passionate about his family and equally at home in a workshop or on the slopes. An avid traveler, he shared his passion and experience with his family; a spirit of wanderlust that lives on in his children and grandchildren. Known as Willy to his wife and friends, Dad to his children, and Opa to his grand- and great-grandchildren, his wisdom and wit will be missed. Ruhe Im Frieden.

Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday at 10:30am in Assumption Church. Burial in Woodlawn Cemetery. There are no calling hours.

Contributions in lieu of flowers to Alzheimer's Association CNY Chapter 5015 Campuswood DR. Suite 102 E. Syracuse 13057