Loren James Bechstein, age 99, of Bowling Green, OH passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, May 7, 2026. He was born on March 30, 1927 to John and Jesse (Pultz) Bechstein at the family farm on Potter Road in Weston, OH. He was one of thirteen children. He graduated from Liberty High School in 1946. He served in the Korean War from 1950-1952.He later married Ellen Hebler on November 19, 1955 at Zion Lutheran Church in Luckey, OH. They raised four children and celebrated 70 years of marriage together. He was confirmed on June 17, 1956 with the confirmation verse from John 14: verses 1-6 and became a member of Zion Lutheran Church.
Loren was a lifelong self-employed farmer and carpenter. He worked at American Shipyard. He enjoyed the simple things in life: spending time with family, playing euchre, and attending dances. In later years he enjoyed watching RFD TV, watching game shows and watching the rodeo on TV. He was an active and life member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #240, Luckey, OH. And he also served on the board of directors for Luckey Farmers.
In addition to his wife Ellen, Loren is survived by his children: Kathleen (Victor) Malkin of Arizona, Mark Bechstein of Bowling Green, Stephanie (Bob) Siemer of Indiana, and Matt (Gary) Bechstein of Pemberville. He was blessed with seven grandchildren: Aaron Malkin, Jacob Malkin, both of Arizona, Lee Ann Siemer, Lucas Siemer of Indiana, Lauren Bechstein, Shelby Bechstein, of Bowling Green, three great-grandchildren: Tysen Gibson, Taytum Gibson, and Nadia Parsons of Bowling Green. He was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter, Natasha Malkin, siblings: Estella Chamberlain, John Bechstein, Newton Bechstein, Perry Bechstein, Ira Bechstein, Carl Bechstein, George Bechstein, Emma Abke, Ida Mae Roe, Helen Wilhelm, and Raymond Bechstein.
Family and friends will be received 4-7 p.m., Friday, May 15, 2026 at Marsh & Marsteller Funeral Home 110 Main Street, Luckey, OH. A funeral will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church 303 Park Drive, Luckey, OH. There will be additional visitation from 10 a.m., until time of service. Loren will be laid to rest in Troy Township Cemetery Luckey, OH. Officiating will be Pr. Brandi Bailie.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials take the form of contributions to: Zion Lutheran Church or Wood County Committee on Aging. Those wishing to express a word of encouragement, share a memory or photo may do so at www.marshfuneralhomes.com.
