Jeffrey A. Bedel, age 42, of Batesville, Indiana passed away on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 in Sonora, California at Sonora Regional Medical Center, after a hard fought battle with pancreatic cancer. Jeff was born November 18, 1973 in Greensburg, Indiana to Thomas and Judy (nee: Stenger) Bedel. Jeff was a 1992 graduate of Batesville High School. He was most recently employed by First Group America in Cincinnati, Ohio as a garnishment representative until his illness made work too difficult.
Jeff was a unique individual, who grabbed life by the horns and was the life of the party. He had many hobbies and interests throughout his life, including a childhood love for insects, leading to years of studying entomology. During those studies in high school, he was also involved in many other FFA activities. It was throughout his high school years that he acquired the nickname ‘Rude Dog’. Also as a kid, he was obsessed with maps, which was a passion that followed him over life’s journeys. Additionally, Jeff will be remembered by his love for music, sports, photography, bicycling, craft beer, social media and travel. When Jeff was diagnosed with his terminal illness, he inspired many by his dream of traveling to all 50 states. In his remaining 20 months, he was able to make it to 49 states. Last week, with much determination, Jeff embarked upon his final state, Hawaii. Unfortunately, he fell short of his ultimate goal and instead ended with the adventure of a lifetime.
Spending time with family and friends is what Jeff treasured most. He especially adored his nieces and nephews who affectionately referred to him as ‘Uncle Bozo’. Jeff was known to spoil them like they were his own. Once back home in Batesville, he rarely missed a sporting event, musical, or any other opportunity to lavish love and attention on his family. He was universally adored by all who knew him and will be sorely missed by all.
Survivors include his father, Thomas Bedel, of Hamburg, brothers and sister-in-laws, Tim and Jeannie Bedel of Lanesville, Indiana and Greg and Jill Bedel of Hamburg, sisters and brother-in-laws, Becky and Kurt Amberger, of Hamburg and Kim and Cyrus Screwvala of Greensburg, nieces and nephews, Kaitlin, Adam and Alex Bedel, Rachel, Nicole and Max Amberger, and Amelia and Ashley Bedel, also numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Jeff was preceded in death by his mother, Judy Bedel, on December 12, 2014. He is also preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Alvin and Rita Bedel, maternal grandparents, Harry and Helen Stenger and maternal step grandmother, Mary Stenger.
There will be a Celebration of Life to honor Jeff on Saturday, August 20, 2016, from 4-10 PM at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 624 Delaware Road, Batesville, IN 47006. It was Jeff’s wishes to donate his body to science for medical research. The family requests no gifts.