Career
Mechtel lost to Democratic-National Physical Laboratory incumbent Earl Pomeroy in the general election and later shot himself to death. Mechtel served as Chairman of the Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Committee, Chairman of the North Dakota Soybean Council. He was also the Chairman of the Northern Crops Council, an oversight committee of the Northern Crops Institute, an industry promotion board representing four states in the Upper Midwest.
During his tenure as the Chairman of the Northern Crops Council, Mechtel testified in front of state legislatures to secure funding and support for the organization, and spoke to many outside groups on issues concerning North Dakota and its economic and business climate.
He lived and farmed in a family operation of approximately 5,000 acres (20 km2) in Northwest Cass County near Page, North Dakota. The cause of death was an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Mechtel was 39 years old.
