The Bechtel Insurance Agency was founded in 1963 by Ned L. Bechtel. Since then we have been serving the needs of individuals and businesses in the Delta, Wauseon, Northwest Ohio and Southern Michigan.

The Bechtel and Schwall Insurance Agencies

The Bechtel and Schwall Insurance Agencies have served Fulton County for about 65 years. Harry E. Schwall founded the Schwall Insurance Agency in 1935 in an upstairs office located on 138 N. Fulton Street in Wauseon, Ohio. Harry began by selling life insurance and later on purchased the building that currently houses the agency. He became very active in Fulton County as President of the Wauseon Commerce Club and the Exchange Club, was involved with the Boy Scouts, Fulton County Fair Board, and Christ United Methodist Church Board of Trustees. Harry also served Fulton County in the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate and spearheaded a successful fund drive that saved the hospital from closing. Harry’s son, DeFord, came home from a distinguished World War II career where he served with the 101st Airborne Division and received the nation’s highest unit combat military honor, the Presidential Citation with an Oak Leaf Cluster. After going to law school and practicing law in Columbus, DeFord joined the agency in 1951. Like his father, DeFord also was heavily involved in various community functions. He announced the homecoming parade for 16 years, served on the Wauseon Homecoming Committee, co-chaired the County-wide hospital fund drive and Community Chest Board, and was active in the PTA, Fulton County YMCA, Fulton County Inter-Church Laymen’s Association, Young Republican Club, Wauseon Masonic Lodge, and Wauseon Chamber of Commerce.

Meanwhile, Ned L. Bechtel started his insurance career as a life insurance agent with the Insurance Companies in Bryan, Ohio. However when the opportunity arose, Ned moved back to his hometown of Delta and entered the property-casualty insurance industry. Ned purchased the Haskell Spires and Paul Robinson agencies in 1963 and the Harry Tredway agency in 1964. Ned set up shop on 107 Lincoln Street in Delta and a couple years later moved up to 211 Main Street. He also was very active within the community in various organizations including chairing the Delta Chicken Festival, President of the Delta PTA, President of the Fulton County Airport Authority Board, Delta Chamber of Commerce, Secretary-Treasurer of the United Fund, member of St. Caspar’s Catholic Church, 1st Lt. civil Air Patrol- Education Officer, and the Fulton County 4-H.

In 1977, Ned’s son Scott joined the agency as a producer and later earned his CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) designation in 1983. By the late 70’s, space was quickly running out at the 211 Main Street location. The final piece of the puzzle came into place when Ned purchased a brick home on 412 Main Street that had been built by John Pelton. The house was transformed into a spacious office with enough room to lease space to various other enterprises over the past twenty years. Fast forward to 1991.

Ned and Scott Bechtel purchased the Schwall Insurance Agency in Wauseon, Ohio from DeFord Schwall. DeFord stayed on for a few years to help out with the transition period. Most days, DeFord can be found in his office that he still keeps at 138 N. Fulton Street. The combination of the Schwall Agency and its rock solid presence within the Wauseon community and the Bechtel agency and its equally impressive record of service to Delta and the surrounding area is a marriage that creates a rich pool of resources to provide the best possible insurance coverage at the best possible price.

Scott has continued the longstanding Bechtel and Schwall tradition of service to the community as a trustee on the Fulton County Hospital Board of Directors, member of the Wauseon and Delta Chambers of Commerce, Fulton County Health Assessment Committee, director of the Fulton County Heart Radiothon, Central committee member of the Fulton County GOP. Scott also served as a volunteer fireman and EMT for 16 years.

Today, the Bechtel and the Schwall Insurance Agencies employ of a total of six associates. Between the two offices there is well over 150 years of experience in the insurance industry. The agencies continue to be a convenient one stop source for home, auto, life, health, and commercial insurance. Working with quality companies who are dedicated to customer service in combination with the small town touch that only your neighborhood agency can provide, the Bechtel and Schwall agencies continue to serve Fulton County and Northwest Ohio with first rate insurance products and customer service.