Anna Bechner, age 77, of Cambridge died July 6, 2014 at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.
Anna Marie Bechner was born September 25, 1936 in St. Paul to Salvadore and Frances (Lindmeyer) Ciresi. Anna was raised in White Bear and graduated from White Bear High School. On September 14, 1957 she married Myron “Mike” Bechner at White Bear Lake. They spent several years in the suburbs of St. Paul before moving to Circle Pines in 1966 where they raised their two children, Barb and Jeff. Anna worked for 25 years at KTCA, Channel 2 Public Television. Mike and Ann moved to Cambridge in June 2002. They loved and were active in the community. She was an active member of Christ the King Catholic Church and served in various capacities. She was a highly respected member of the Town’s Edge Manor Association where she had served on the board. Anna volunteered at the Harbor Room at Cambridge Medical Center and also volunteered at the food shelf. She loved to spend time with her family and friends and was very active with various social groups in her community. Anna was also an avid reader and loved to travel and actively followed several Minnesota sports teams. Her husband, Mike, died on September 20, 2002.
Anna is survived by her son, Jeff Bechner (Annette Erbst) of Blaine; daughter, Barb (Tom) Petschl of Ham Lake; six grandchildren, Eric (Heather) Petschl, Kevin (Angela) Petschl, Emily Petschl, Eric, Miranda and Michael Bechner; two great-grandchildren, Kiley and Austin Petschl; two brothers, Thomas (Pat) Ciresi of Oakdale, Robert (Rae) Ciresi of Chisago City; two sisters-in-law, Sharon and Chris; two brothers-in-law, Allen and Dave; dear friend, Norma Petschl of Battle Lake; and by many other relatives and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, July 12, 2014 at 11 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church in Cambridge with Father Don Wagner as Celebrant. The Cantor will be Denise Tillges and Nancy Kastle-Avre will serve as organist. Soloist from family will be Julie Marka. Pallbearers will be Brent Freundschuh, Dana Henjum, Tom LaClare, Jud Lauzon, Kurt Marka and Shane Petschl. Interment at Cambridge Union Cemetery. Visitation on Friday, July 11 from 5-8 PM and 1 hour prior to Mass.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Strike Funeral Homes.