Life-long love leads to generous $50,000 donation to Perry County Humane Society
A legacy of kindness and generosity will be continued today. A $50,000 check will be delivered to the Perry County Humane Society at 9:30 a.m. by Evelyn J. Bechtlofft as a memorial to her husband of 59 years. George Bechtlofft died on Aug. 30, but through Evelyn's donation she hopes his life-long love of animals will not be forgotten.
George E. Bechtlofft was a devout Catholic, a WWII veteran, and avid animal lover. The Bechtloffts were charter members of the Crab Orchard Kennel Club, with George serving as a long-time President for the organization. They groomed and showed toy poodles, but their love of all animals goes deeper as evidenced by the photos that covered their walls. If you are fortunate enough to look through their memoirs it is quite difficult to find a picture of either George or Evelyn without a dog on their lap, posing a poodle ready for show, riding a horse or smiling next to a lazy cat they just took in. Bechtlofft will tell you "I never had any children, but I have always had animals."
Animals are naturally drawn to Bechtlofft; it is as though they sense her love for them. She said that once her father bought her a pony that was "just mean." Bechtlofft said it would bite her ankles, but she was still very sad when her father gave the horse away to protect her. She will also tell you she also still absolutely loves horses.
The Bechtloffts are lifelong residents of Du Quoin with Evelyn retiring from GTE and George spending most of his career at Blue bell, but retiring from SIU Computer Department. They loved dancing and entertaining. They loved to vacation, but George used to say "it was always a sore subject if they couldn't take their current variety of pets."
Today Bechtlofft is inviting Webbie, a four-year-old, male, domesticated short haired cat who weighs in at 15 lb. back to her apartment to stay. He is a lap cat from the shelter.
"It will continue to be lonely without George, but a least God has blessed us with the unconditional love and comfort of animals," stated Bechtlofft.