Dick Bechtold, a Nebraska alumnus, is a Partner at Smith, Gambrell & Russell LLP

Bechtold joined NU after helping Omaha Westside reach three consecutive playoff appearances and hopes to compete for playing time at one of NU’s deep positions during fall camp.

Church members frequently receive harassing phone calls and text messages from people opposed to their flag and its welcoming of homosexuals, according to Hewson.

Early Life and Education

Dick was born the year World War I concluded and the Roaring Twenties began. Raised in Montclair, NJ – attending St James School and Catholic Central High School (where he played two years on both football teams as a tackle and end), and playing basketball as guard – Dick experienced success both athletically and academically during this time.

He has held a variety of roles within the United Methodist church: United Methodist Star Parish in Warren County, Resident Director at Aldersgate Center and Pastor at Branchville and Butler United Methodist churches. Additionally he earned both Master’s of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Albright College as well as holding a certificate in spiritual direction from Guild for Spiritual Guidance.

Faini knew when he learned Bechtold might close, it was important for him to purchase it and continue the family legacy. Faini is keeping Bechtold open with staff moving back and forth between downtown store and this location – while maintaining their traditional services if necessary.

Professional Career

Jill Bechtold is a partner at Smith, Gambrell & Russell LLP’s Jacksonville office and a member of its Litigation Practice. Her civil litigation practice encompasses medical/professional liability defense; employment disputes; products liability cases; commercial trucking litigations; insurance defense; business litigation as well as Department of Health investigations or licensee actions brought before Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). She frequently represents medical physicians during DOH investigations or licensee actions brought before Florida DBPR (Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation).

As a hobby, she enjoys music and participating in short term missions both domestically and internationally. In her local church community she serves on both Aldersgate Center and Branchville United Methodist Church boards and also founded their young professionals division within Girl’s Inc of Jacksonville’s Board of Directors.

Achievement and Honors

Bechtold currently serves as an independent director for Parkland Energy and serves on its Human Resources and Corporate Governance Committee and Environmental, Health & Safety, Sustainability and Supply and Business Development Advisory Committees. With extensive North American petroleum industry leadership experience under his belt, Bechtold brings invaluable leadership insights to Parkland.

Ben is also an enthusiastic volunteer, supporting short term missions both locally and abroad. His greatest joy comes from music, serving his church and family and spending time outdoors – especially in the mountains.

Bechtold will battle for playing time at Nebraska’s deepest position of tight end. A walk-on from Omaha Westside, Bechtold has earned two Big 12 Academic Honor Roll appearances during his two semesters at NU and has also participated in team hospital visits and School is Cool Week events.

Personal Life

Bechtold has lived his entire life in Sioux Falls and is an active member of St. Joseph Cathedral where he served as Church Council President and Treasurer for five years. Additionally, he belonged to both the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and American Society of Jewelry Designers.

Bechtold enjoys both snow skiing and beach activities, and spending time with her family. Her son Damon attends Nebraska and plays tight end there; as a walk-on from Omaha Westside High School where he earned three consecutive state playoff appearances as a defensive lineman, Damon came to Nebraska via NU as well.

Thomas Faini, who recently opened F&H Private Jewelers and Thomas James Jewelers earlier this year, plans on keeping the Bechtold name and downtown location. He stated he wanted to buy this family business because Sioux Falls should never be without one!

Net Worth

Bechtold has amassed an estimated net worth estimated in the millions. He boasts extensive experience in the petroleum industry and has served on various boards such as Parex Resources Inc. and Petro-Andina Inc. Additionally, he was appointed to serve on Canadian Energy Supply Allocation Board before currently joining Parkland Fuel as board director.

On Saturday afternoon, Bechtold was walking or jogging along Stearns County Road 75 near St. Augusta when he was struck by a vehicle. He was transported to North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale for treatment where he later passed away.