Phillip Gregory Bechtol of Port Charlotte, Florida went home to be with our Lord Thursday, April 3, 2025 at the age of 87.

Phil was born on August 30, 1937, the son of Leroy A. and Elizabeth A. (Maurer) Bechtol in Almont, Michigan.

On August 26, 1958, Phillip married Donna L. Cochrane and shared 66 years of love and cherished memories. Phil was always proud to tell the story of how they met in kindergarten and have been in love ever since.

Phillip was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, a lifelong Mason and devoted member of the Bridgeport Masonic Lodge #258,  and a graduate of Michigan State University.
Phillip retired from the Saginaw Public School District after spending 30 years as an elementary school teacher alongside his wife, Donna.

Phillip had a passion for many things including deer hunting, camping, traveling the U.S., snowmobiling, beekeeping, owl calling, and collecting/working on cars, trucks, and tractors.

Phil was known and will always be remembered for his passion for  “The Farm” he built in Beaverton, MI. His greatest joy was sharing this special place with family and friends. The Farm was the place multiple generations learned to drive, go fishing in the pond, hike the trails leading to the log cabin in the woods, play in the creek, countless projects in the Barn he built, hayrides, and even bonfires. The Farm was, quite simply, the place to be for the whole family.

After retirement, Phil spent many hours volunteering with Meals on Wheels, delivering to residents across Beaverton.  For years, Phil and Donna spent the winters in Sebring, Florida.  During this time Phil volunteered with Habitat for Humanity building ramps for the disabled. He also volunteered at the Church Service Center and Florida Hospital in Sebring.

Phil is survived by his wife, Donna Bechtol, and 3 daughters, Dawn (Jim) Schwiesow, Kim (Tom) Westhoff, and Peggy Boschma.  He was the proud Grandfather of 6; Daniel (Sara) Dijak, Jr., Evan (Brooke) Eastman, Lauren (Tim) Kott, Sam Loiacano (Saira Shariff), Dr. Shelby Boschma (Joel Hendricks), and Sara Boschma, and Great Grandfather of 3; Francis, Jade, and Clara.

Phil also leaves behind 2 sisters, Elizabeth Bullard and Sara Haigh along with many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Lincoln Bechtol, sister, Mary Myrna, and son in law, Jim Eastman.

Honoring Phillip’s wishes, his body was donated to science. Cremation will follow. Burial will be at Ferguson Cemetery, Almont, MI with a private memorial service.