It’s been a while since my MBA, 2011, but so many times and even today your teaching has helped me and helped others in turn. You helped me understand inquiry versus advocacy, and the value of all the hats, especially the black hat! I’m writing now, and have you to thank for having by far, the biggest impact in gaining, keeping and, changing perspective on any/everything. You were/are a lasting treasure given for a season. I’m sure you’re enjoying the Master's company and I hope we meet again. 
Renee Meier

Christian was by far one of the best professors I ever had! As a DeVos professor, his classes were exciting and he cared about all of us... He was extremely unique and I loved that he didnt have a cell phone. He will be sorely missed, my prayers are with the family!

I just found out that Christian had died.  As one of his doctoral professors and as someone who lives in the neighborhood, I know now why I have not seen his smiling face when I bicycle past the house.  What a shame and shock.  He will be missed; more importantly, he will be remembered.

Just heard the news about Christian and I am heartbroken. What a terrific guy and memorable teacher. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and co-workers at Northwood University.

Christian was the funniest and most challenging professor EVER. If I whined about anything he would simply point to the whiteboard and tell me to facilitate. "That's what leaders do - they don't whine - they facilitate". I'll never forget it. Thank you Christian for the amazing life lesson. I also remember running into him at the coffee shop in Okemos so often I started teasing him about it being his "office". My thoughts an prayers go to his family. RIP, Christian.

I am very sorry to hear of Christian's passing.  Christian and I were both regulars at the Michigan Athletic Club (MAC).  We shared a locker room, and stories of running and cycling, and family and friends.  We both participated in the Mackinaw Bridge Run one year, and I remember him passing me that morning, running fast and effortlessly.  It was a perfect morning for a run, the sun was coming up over the straits, and the air was cool and still.  I will miss Christian, as will many others at the MAC.  I would like to express my deepest sympathy to his family members.  I will remember Christian as a strong athlete, a good friend, and great human being.  I am grateful for the opportunity to have known him.

Chris was not my professor, business acquaintance, co-worker, or student he was only my friend. What I seen in Chris was the family man who deeply cared for Beth and Austin. He was quirky and unique but always there when I needed advice. He always looked at a good or bad situation with a different point of view. My family had the opportunity to share many happy times with Chris, Beth, and Austin and I thank God for the privilege of known such a loving and caring person. We will think of you often and miss you every day.

Chris, you leave quite an impression on everyone who knows you...Dude! So many tailgaters, cookouts, road trips and hangin' out with you, Beth and Andy.  That's what I will remember...the smile, that laugh, and 
"Dude, that's Awesome!"

Dude....you will be missed....but not forgotten...thanks for everything Christian.

Christian, you left us way too early.  I'm so happy that I have wonderful memories of our times in the MBA program at State.  You made the best nachos around!  And you made every get-together fun!  Your friendship was to be cherished.  Thanks Bud!

I have had the pleasure to both have Christian as an instructor and as a co-worker. It is very hard for me to believe I won't see him fly past my office doing a fist pump and saying "what's happening, man." His positive energy was always felt when he walked into a room. Today's service was wonderful. His humble, caring, positive attitude will be something I will always strive to live up to. Beth, Austin, and family - I'm sending you warm wishes as you go through this difficult times. Please know Christian has touched many lives.

What a beautiful service today, Beth.  I felt privileged to get to know more about Christian through the testimony of his friends.  Know that you and Austin are in my heart and prayers.  <3

Chris was my doctoral student while I was on the faculty at Michigan State.  I remember fondly the work we did together.  The paper we co-wrote on The role of trust and relationship structure in improving supply chain responsiveness is listed as the most highly cited papers.  But that isn't what made Chris special - he was a good guy.  He was kind, considerate, thoughtful, and funny.  He will be missed.

Beth, Austin and family. We are so so saddened to hear of the loss of Christian. Brendan especially was without words when I tried explain to him. Please tell Austin that Brendan is praying especially for him as we are for all of you. I pray that you all find peace.

Doug, Marjie, Cathryn & Brendan Almeter (Suttons Bay, MI)

Beth, Austin and family. We are so so saddened to hear of the loss of Christian. Brendan especially was without words when I tried explain to him. Please tell Austin that Brendan is praying especially for him as we are for all of you. I pray that you all find peace.
Much love:
Doug, Marjie, Cathryn & Brendan

Beth, Austin: Met you often at 9:15 Mass at St Johns and visited with Chris at the noon Peace vigil at the State Capital. Am mindful of your huge hurt and loss. May Peace fill the vacuum!
Joe Droste Lansing, Mi

Beth, Austin and family,
Although I do not know you, I have had the privilege of meeting and briefly knowing Christian. I will remember him, not only for the light he was able to shine through his enthusiasm for learning, but for his un-canny resemblance to my Father who passed last August (shortly before meeting Christian through a class at Northwood). My heart is with you. May God's presence comfort you.

Beth, Austin and family: there are never words enough at a time like this. I can only offer a hug tomorrow,  and as many as you need in coming weeks and months. I hope you will lean on the community and know that you are never alone.
Love,
Julie and Luke Roy

I am deeply sorry to hear of Dr. Bechtels passing. Over the past 13 years I have often thought about Dr. Bechtel, he was an outstanding professor and very true to himself.  I vividly remember him joyfully describing the voluntary removal of the family television.... "It was the BEST thing we ever did!"  Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

Beth and Austin 

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help. We love you

I feel blessed to have been one of the students lucky enough to have known Dr. Bechtel. He was a great professor, and a truly authentic individual. His  attitude and unique perspective on life will be missed, but will resonate with those lucky enough to have known him. My condolences to his family.

Dr. Christian Bechtel was an inspiration to myself as well as my cohort at Devos. He not only gave us direction about business but more importantly he gave us direction for life. I know I am a better person having known Christian. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

I feel incredibly blessed to have been a part of Dr. Christian Bechtel's Thursday evening DeVos MBA cohort program at the Troy Campus for the past 7 weeks.  What a quirky, intelligent and fun-loving man.  For the first time in my educational career, I actually looked forward coming to class, because you never knew what Christian had in store for us.  From constructing contraptions to guard an egg from sustaining a 20 foot fall, to putting on skits to highlight concepts from the readings; it was always an adventure!  Christian really set the bar high as far as professors go.  Northwood University lost an amazing educator and I truly am remorseful for all those who did not have the opportunity to interact with Christian.  The sincerest of sympathy goes out to his wife Beth, and son Austin...Christian always spoke highly of the both of you and it was evident you both were the light of his life.  Amidst the tears, please take time to reflect and hopefully smile at what an amazing man your husband/father was...Be proud that he leaves behind such a remarkable legacy and has touched the lives of so many students over the years.  Please know you are in a lot of people's constant thoughts/prayers and that Christian will be greatly missed by so many.

God Bless,

Ashley Kemp

I'll never forget the french fry smell left by his bio-diesel VW. Dr. Christian Bechtel didn't teach his students what to think...he taught us how to think. And this world is certainly a better place because of him. My thoughts are with the Bechtel family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Dr. Bechtel was one of my professors.  I learned so much from his class and I was shocked to hear of his passing.

OBITUARY

Christian John Bechtel

31 December, 1964 – 20 October, 2012

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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