grave import

Obituary

Thomas David Bachtell, beloved husband, grandfather, and great-grandfather, 80, of Burlington, died November 4th with his family by his side at the Great River Hospice Comfort Room in The great River Medical Center, West Burlington, IA.
He was born January 26, 1923, in Arlington, IA the son of Leo Dale and Gladys Evelyn Johnson Bachtell. He was married to Velma Joy French in Ottumwa, IA December 30, 1945.
He was a 1949 graduate of Mediapolis High school and was a 60-year member of the IBEW, retiring from Pohren Electric Co. in 1988 after more than 30 years of service.
He was a long-time member of West Hill United Methodist Church, where he served on numerous boards and committees and was selected Church Person of the Year in 1983. He received the Governors Volunteerism Award in 2002. He is a past president of the Burlington Chapter of AARP and served as Resident Commissioner and Vice-Chairperson of the Low Rent Housing Agency of Burlington and the Vice-Chairperson of the Autumn Heights Residents Council.
Member of Des Moines Lodge No. 1, AF & AM, tom was a Past Master and served as secretary for 27 years and served as President of the Masonic Temple Association Board of Directors. He served as Junior Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge of Iowa and holds District Lecturer Certificate No. 2620.
He was a member of the Burlington York Rite Bodies and Davenport Consistory of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. He also was a member of Burlington Chapter No 545, where he was a Past Patron and White Star Chapter No 388 of Mediapolis, Order of the Eastern Star.
His other Masonic Offices and Honors include Past High Priest of Iowa Chapter No. 1 Royal Arch Masons, Past Illustrious Master of Zerubbabel Council No. 22 Royal and Select Masters, Past Commander of St. Omer Commandery No. 15 Knight Templars, Knight York Cross of Honor (KYCH), Iowa No. 497, international No. 20322, Life Sponsorship, Knight Templar Eye Foundation No. 88128, Ish Sodi Award, Knight of the Royal Arch Award, Knight Commander of the Temple Award, Current Grand Sentinal and Past Grand Treasurer and Past Grand Sentinal of the Grand Commandery Knight Templars of Iowa, Order of the Silver Trowel, Order of High Priesthood, Past Commanders Association, Past District Deputy Grand High Priest of District No. 9 Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Iowa, Knight Commander of the Court of Honor in Davenport Valley of the Scottish Rite.
He is a member of the Iowa Scottish Rite Foundation. In DeMolay, Tom served as Chairman of the Advisory Council from 1978-1995 and had more than 30 years of service on the Board. He holds the Honorary Legion of Honor and the Cross of Honor. Tom was awarded the Grand Cross of Color by the Supreme Assembly International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. Tom is also an original member of the scholarship selection committee of the Helen Raider Memorial Trust.
He is survived by his wife; four sons, David (Julia) and Darrell(Cynthia) Bachtell of Burlington, Bruce (Della) Bachtell of Necedah, WI, and Evan (Mary) Bachtell of West Burlington; one daughter, Susan(Dennis) Trudo of Walford, IA; two sisters, Helena Bachtell and Irene (Clint) Schoneman, both of Metairie, LA; grandchildren, Beth Carlsen, Heather Carlsen, Heather Bachtell, Dustin (Jennifer) Bachtell, Anthony (Michelle) Bachtell, Jason (Jodi) Bennett, Jamie (William) South, Colin (Cayce) Trudo, and Scott Trudo; great-grandchildren, Sarah Carlsen, Jacob Bachtell, Meagan Machholz, Marcus Lane, Amber Bachtell, Michael Bachtell, Braden Bachtell, Bryan Bennett, and Kennedy Bachtell, also nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Dale, one grandson and one brother.
Visitation at Lunning Chapel 6-9 pm Friday, November 7th with public Masonic Service held at 7 pm.
The funeral for Tom will be at West Hill United Methodist Church at 10 am on Saturday, November 8th, with Rev. WilliamPorter officiating with burial in Aspen Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made for the Burlington Masonic Temple Association, West Hill United Methodist Church and Great River Hospice.
Tom will be greatly missed by all his family, extended family, and friends. He enjoyed life and sharing it with all Always found kind words and time for everyone.