Nov. 28, 1945 - Jan. 18, 2013

WAKARUSA - Dennis C. "Bear" Lechlitner, 67, of Wakarusa, died at 6:10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, at Elkhart General Hospital.

He was born Nov. 28, 1945, to the late Mervin L. and Julia (Pletcher) Lechlitner in Mishawaka.

He married Velma J. Miller on Sept. 30, 1967 at Nappanee Church of the Brethren.

Survivors include his wife; sons Bill (Stacey), Alex (Stephanie) and Tim (Jill) Lechlitner, all of Wakarusa; brothers Max (Marjorie) Lechlitner of Wakarusa, Stanley (Sandy) Lechlitner of Milford and Brian (Laurie) Lechlitner of Elkhart; and grandsons Jonah, Samuel and Nathaniel Lechlitner, Brock and Nicholas Lechlitner and Hunter Lechliter.

Dennis was the owner/operator of Bear's Auto Body Repair in Wakarusa for 21 years.

He was a member of Wakarusa Missionary Church and was a 1964 graduate of Wakarusa High School.

He liked woodworking, fishing and being out in the woods.

Visitation is from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, at Wakarusa Missionary Church and for one hour prior to the 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013, funeral service, also at the church. Pastor Ted B. Wilson will officiate.

Burial is in Olive (East) Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wakarusa Ambulance. Online condolences may be sent at www.rrefh.com.

Brian Lechlitner, Elkhart, IN I will miss you, but the memories and the times we spent together will live in my heart forever.

Bryce and Carol Rohrer, Sarasota, FL So very sorry about Denny. He will not be in pain or suffer anymore. He was a blessing to all who knew him. Velma and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. May god bless you all.

Gail & Jerry Stollar, Woodsfield, OH So sorry to hear of Dennis passing. We had some fun times at their farm when we were growing up...Glad I came to the reunion in 2011. He took me on my first motorcycle ride one summer when we came to Nappanee to visit...

Julie Rohrer-Taylor, Nappanee, IN So sorry to hear of Denny's passing. Denny and I were in the same class in school and I have fond memories of our school days together. May God Bless your family at this time.

JAMIE MULLET, NEW PARIS, IN Some of my fondest memories growing up were at the Lecklitner house. As friends with Alex I spent as much time there as I did home and remember denny as a man who loved his work, loved his family and loved to fish. Denny wasnt just my friends dad but also a friend and i know hes out of pain, healthy and whole at the side of his Savior.

Denny Grove, Wakarusa, IN May you rest in peace my friend. Your smile and tenderness will be so missed......:(