Joel grew up in Greeley, Colorado. He met the love of his life, Betty, in the 10th grade. Betty and Joel later married and enjoyed 57 wonderful years together. After many years of college, medical school and 4 years in the Navy, Joel and Betty settled in Grand Junction in 1980. He started the first pulmonary practice on the western slope. He worked at St. Mary’s Hospital for 34 years and enjoyed every minute of it. Joel loved the outdoors, especially if it involved bicycling, pickleball, friends and family.
Joel was preceded in death by his father Martin and his mother Audrey. He is survived by his brother Peter (Jane), sisters Mary, Anne (Steve), and Jane (David), sons Baer (Carrie) and Adam (Karyn) and his four amazing grandchildren Michael, Carmen, Grant and Annabelle.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 5th at 11:00 am in the Meyer Ballroom in the University Center at Colorado Mesa University, 1455 N 12th St, with a reception immediately after.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to one of the following:
Colorado Mesa University Foundation, Physician Assistant Program; https://engage.supportingcmu.org/JoelBechtel
Colorado National Monument Association; https://coloradonma.org/
St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation; https://www.sclhealth.org/locations/st-marys-medical-center-foundation/donate/ or at (970) 298-1954.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.callahan-edfast.com for the Bechtel family.
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