Tim E. Dech, age 78, of Alexandria, SD died Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at his home under hospice care. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Monday, August 26, 2019 at St. Martin's Lutheran Church in Alexandria, SD with burial and military rites at Greenhill Cemetery in Alexandria, SD. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Sunday, August 25, 2019 at the Will Funeral Chapel with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM.

Tim E. Dech, son of Norman and Ruth (Clewell) Dech, was born September 21, 1940 in Bethlehem, PA. He grew up in Bethlehem and graduated from high school there. After his schooling, Tim was employed at McDonald's, Just Born Candy Company and Sure Fit. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1962 and served in Greece, Alaska, Athens, Japan, Texas and Omaha, NE. Tim was united in marriage with Gay Nagel on December 16, 1972 at St. Martin's Lutheran Church in Alexandria, SD. Tim served 22 years in the US Air Force before being honorably discharged in 1984. The couple made their home in Alexandria, SD. He was then employed at the Holiday Inn, McDonald's, Bruce Sign Company and other odd jobs.

Tim began painting as a young man and later in life continued his passion for creating works of art. He painted wildlife scenes on saw blades and all kinds of bird feathers.

He was a member of St. Martin's Lutheran Church where he was involved as an usher, served as an elder and Bible study. Tim was also a member of the Fulton, Farmer and Epiphany American Legion.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Gay Dech, Alexandria, SD; a brother, Ronald (Emmy) Dech, Miami, FL; two brothers-in-law, Mark Nagel, Mitchell, SD, Kent Nagel, Fulton, SD; 4 nephews; 2 nieces and 3 great nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws, George and Arline Nagel, a nephew, Angel Nagel.