Paul Bechtold, 76, was surrounded by his family when he passed on Friday, July 23, 2026 at Ava’s Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 am on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at Miller Funeral Home (Southside Location) 7400 S. Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD.
Paul Benedict Bechtold, son of Urban “Bud” Ignatius and Rosalia Elizabeth (Sauter) Bechtold, was born on June 9th, 1950, in Sioux Falls, SD. Paul grew up in the ‘North end’ across the street from the Cathedral in a household with 8 siblings: Phillip, Carolyn, Johnny, Tony, MaryJo, Steven, Sarah, and Annie.
Paul graduated from O’Gorman High School in Sioux Falls in 1968. Following high school, Paul attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, where he graduated with a Business Degree in 1973. While attending USD, Paul earned a spot on the men’s varsity basketball team that he played on for 4 seasons. After Paul’s graduation at USD, he moved to Santa Monica, CA, to attend the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), where he became a Certified Gemologist.
Paul’s education at the GIA led to his lifelong career working at the family store, JH Bechtold Jewelry in downtown Sioux Falls. He worked alongside his father, Urban ‘Bud’, and other family members as the third generation to work in the store.
In October of 1975, Paul married Robin Smith of Dell Rapids, SD, and they had three children together: Dustin, Kimberly, and Taylor. Following their marriage, they settled in Sioux Falls.
Throughout Paul’s life, he was a great athlete. He continued to play basketball for the Kelo Super Shooters charity basketball team in the early 80s. Paul was also an avid golfer and spent many of his evenings at Westward Ho Country Club ‘The Ho’ honing his game. In his spare time, Paul loved to sketch landscape designs, which led to the massive backyard renovation he hand-built over 5 summers. The backyard oasis became his pride and joy, where he loved to spend time maintaining his gardens. He also greatly enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.
In Paul’s professional life at JH Bechtold Jewelry, he helped countless couples choose their engagement and wedding rings. He took great pride in offering customers his expertise in gems and loved to aid in the design process of their jewelry.
Other family and friends will remember Paul’s wit, smile, and friendly demeanor. Paul’s family will always remember his charitable spirit and willingness to help those in need.
Grateful for sharing his life are his former wife, Robin Bechtold; his children, Dustin Bechtold, Kimberly (Reuel) Bechtold-Erickson, and Taylor (Kelsey) Bechtold, all of Sioux Falls, SD. He is also survived by four grandchildren, River Erickson, Mya Erickson, Bronson Bechtold, and Ronan Bechtold. Left to cherish his memory are also his brothers and sisters: Carolyn Hagerman, Mary Jo Christensen (Jim), Steven Bechtold (Nancy), and Annie Bechtold (Jon Stalheim), all of Sioux Falls. Tony Bechtold (Mary Jo) of Escondido, CA, Sara Jane Hughes (Doug) of Salem, OR and sister-in-law Joanne Bechtold (Phillip) of Sioux Falls, SD.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, John; infant twin brothers, Frank and Ignatius; brother Phillip; nephew Peter Zimmerman; and brother-in-law John Hagerman.
Honorary pallbearers are Paul’s grandchildren, River, Mya, Bronson, and Ronan.
Paul’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in his name to the South Dakota Chapter of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, as Paul had been suffering from the disease for the last 7 years of his life.
Celebrate a life with the whole community in The Dakota Scout. Contact obits@thedakotascout.com to have your loved one remembered today.