Richard A. Bechler

WAUNAKEE – Richard A. Bechler, age 50, of Waunakee, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010, following a brief illness. He was born Oct. 13, 1960, in Chicago, Ill., the son of Norm and Ellen (Etapa) Bechler. He moved to the Madison area in 1991 drawn to the area by his future wife and the natural beauty and climbing at Devils Lake. Rich was a proud father of his daughter Heidi and loved spending time with her. Together they traveled and pursued many outdoor adventures. Rich was a self taught graphic designer with an entrepreneurial spirit. In 1996, he and his friend Eric purchased Latitude Graphics. He owned and operated Latitude Graphics in Middleton for 15 years. He was a visionary climber, credited with many first assents and traveled the world pursuing this passion. He also was an avid runner, cyclist and nordic skier and competed in many races across the country and in Europe. He loved nature and being outdoors. Devils Lake was Rich's spiritual home and many of his climbing friends came to town last month for his 50th birthday celebration there. Rich is survived by his daughter, Heidi Bechler; and her mother, Liese Pfeifer of Waunakee; three sisters, Christine (Jeff) Hoel of Florida, Sue Hotten of Illinois, Kathy (Mark) Pugh of Colorado; and nieces, Kristen, Stephanie and Elizabeth. Rich was preceded in death by his parents. Rich will be missed by all of his friends and especially his employees. He was a great friend and co-worker and always managed to make Latitude Graphics a cool place to work. A Celebration of Rich's life will be held at OLBRICH GARDENS, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until the time of service.