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Rudolph C. Betlach
Rudolph C. Betlach
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Rudolph Betlach Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
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Chrissie Vinje
December 23, 2024
And in the blink of an eye, 20 years have gone by. I remember this day as if it were yesterday, but it feels like forever ago.
Tonight, we celebrate you as we always do on December 23rd for the last two decades. Keep watching over us and showing up when we need ya.
Love and miss you Dad, always. Until we meet again, but, no offense, I hope that's a ways off!
Cheers to you Pops! GLASSES UP!!
Patty
December 20, 2024
How can it be 20 years? I can still remember exactly where I was and what I was doing that day. I'm never going to stop missing you.
I CAN FEEL IT
His voice is in the gentle breeze
that whispers a message...
Do you hear it?
He is watching from heaven as
the clouds paint pictures on an
endless canvas...
Do you see it?
His love shines through in the
sparkle of his grandchildren's eyes...
Do you feel it?
His spirit will be in the music,
the song and the words...
I can hear it.
He's around all of us;
in the warm memories of happy times
and special smiles...
I can see it.
When you need him, send a whisper...
the gentle breeze will carry it across the
painted canvas of an endless sky.
He will feel it.
by Patty Betlach Russell
Patty Betlach Russell
December 20, 2023
I CAN FEEL IT
His voice is in the gentle breeze
that whispers a message...
Do you hear it?
He is watching from heaven as
the clouds paint pictures on an
endless canvas...
Do you see it?
His love shines through in the
sparkle of his grandchildren's eyes...
Do you feel it?
His spirit will be in the music,
the song and the words...
I can hear it.
He's around all of us;
in the warm memories of happy times
and special smiles...
I can see it.
When you need him, send a whisper...
the gentle breeze will carry it across the
painted canvas of an endless sky.
He will feel it.
For my brother, by Patty Betlach Russell
Patty
December 23, 2020
I miss you like it was yesterday.
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Chrissie Vinje
December 22, 2014
Ten years! What?! Where did that time go?? We love ,miss and think about you every day. You are always in our hearts. We will be gathering as usual tomorrow night in your honor but then, you knew that. ;)
I love and miss you Pops! Until we meet again, keep a close watch over us and let us know you are around once in a while. :) XOXOXOXOX
January 25, 2014
Missing you today
Patty
August 12, 2013
I Can Feel It
by Patty Betlach Russell
His voice is in the gentle breeze
that whispers a message...
Do you hear it?
He is watching from heaven as
the clouds paint pictures on an
endless canvas...
Do you see it?
His love shines through in the
sparkle of his grandchildren's eyes...
Do you feel it?
His spirit will be in the music,
the song and the words...
I can hear it.
He's around all of us;
in the warm memories of happy times
and special smiles...
I can see it.
When you need him, send a whisper...
the gentle breeze will carry it across the
painted canvas of an endless sky.
He will feel it.
I love you and miss you so much.
Patty Betlach Russell
December 23, 2011
I thought of you today, but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday, and days before that too. I think of you in silence, I often speak your name. All I have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is a keepsake, from which I'll never part. God has you in His arms, I have you in my heart. I miss you.
Chrissie Betlach Vinje
December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas Dad! There were a couple of Rudy tales to be had last evening! They never get old and are oh so much fun to hear! We'll be thinking of you while we gather the next couple of days. Love you! Stop by and see me sometime! ;-)
Patty Betlach Russell
December 23, 2010
Merry Christmas to you in heaven for what is already the 6th year. How fortunate for you that you get to spend it with Jesus and all of them that we also love and miss. How unfortunate for us that we are spending it here without you. There is always something there to remind me of you and the memories of all the fun and laughter that we had. Here is a Christmas hug, please pass it on to everyone you get to spend the day with! Know that you are always missed. I love you dearly, XOXOX Patty
Chrissie Vinje
December 22, 2010
Hi Pops! Been thinking about you a lot lately. Thanks for the occasional visit and for watching over us. We miss you terribly and tomorrow, once again, we will celebrate you... I love you Dad and wish you could've stayed with us longer....
Love,
Cricket
Jessica DuCharme
December 22, 2010
Dad... I was driving home from work today and singing along with the radio and then BAM!! Just started to cry!! I miss you so much!! I wish you could be here to watch Zach grow up and to see Alyssa have a baby boy and make me a Grandma at the ripe old age of 37.. :-) Keep watching over us, it is a comfort to know you do!!
Pamela Betlach Bommarito
December 22, 2010
Dear Uncle Rudy, We all miss you so much. You are one of those lights that are hard to miss big guy. I still have that little history book you bought me when I went to college with you one day. I remember feeling so important that you took me to class with you. Well, I went on and graduated college after that experience, your niece Linzi did, and your nephew Antonio just walked the line Friday. Amazing, what little things a person does makes such a difference in so many lives after them, and you, dear uncle, have touched many. Love to you as you are hanging with the big kahuna angels in heaven, I'm sure you are working hard up there! Love, Pammy
Theresa Betlach
December 21, 2010
Dad, six years already? Really? I miss you very much! Thank You for the dream messages and the dream visits!! You know just when to show up. Thank you for helping me feel like we are still connected. As we fastly approach Christmas time, i think of you even more. Not only because of the 23rd but i know how much you loved Christmas. I wish i could still buy you presents just to see your reactions!! It's still hard today to go into the garage without thinking of all the work you did out there. I do miss going out there to see what you were building and seeing if somehow i could help. You were definately the light in my life!! Miss You and Love you!! See you in my dreams xoxoxoxoxo....
Patty Betlach Russell
August 6, 2010
"My heart still aches in sadness, and secret tears still flow, what it meant to lose you, no one will ever know." Happy Birthday, I love and miss you.
Gabrielle Louise Walstrom
June 7, 2010
hey uncle rudy,
to start things off... i miss you. im almost done with school, i finished my lacrosse season even though i did not want to, and now im playing summer soccer. wow, its almost been 6 years, huh? i cant believe i was only 5 or 6 when you died... wow... maggie is in high school and says its really fun and jarod is in elementry school , he says he hates it but everyone knows he likes it, even if he just goes to show off for the girls. haha, i hope that makes you laugh. :) i wish you were here right now, not with me, but just here- even a sign to let me know you're still here. ive gotten a lot of my poetry and quotes done, have you read them? i have 4 notebooks and am working on a 5th. i have a website and have over 3000 poems that have been read. maybe you should visit there sometime?
well, i almost have to go to school, i wish i could talk more.
but i miss you, i love you and almost always think about you.
P.S i look at that picture beside my bed everyday and every night. i love you.
Theresa Betlach
May 20, 2010
Hey Dad, well now we are into 2010! Your grandson Ben graduates next year! It's hard to believe you have been gone for almost 6 years. I still cannot get use to it. I know i feel you around sometimes. I know you show up occasionally in my dreams. I am grateful for those visits. I really miss our awesome talks we use to have one on one. I really felt at least one person in the world really understood and appreciated my thoughts and my mind. I think we were alike in alot of ways. No matter how our Family changes and whoever comes and goes just remember one thing: You are NEVER forgotten!! I talk about you as often as i can. I think about everything we did together when i was a kid. Helping you in the garage with projects,listening to 8 tracks of Elvis and other country music, when you were my softball coach, doing yard work together,making music videos that were totally embarrasing.Too many more to list. I hope everything is wonderful where you are!! I miss you beyond heaven!! Tell God i said Hi! Tell all my Grandpas, Grandmas, Aunts and Uncles Hi and I miss them too!! Love You!!
Patty
December 24, 2009
I hate that you left us, it just isn't fair. Thanks for saying hi yesterday~~I always know when you're around, it would just be better if it were in person...I love you always; Give the Good Lord a hand and help take care of everyone up there until we all get there. Merry CHRISTmas! XOXO
Chrissie Vinje
December 23, 2009
Hey Dad~
It has been five years today since you left us and it still seems like yesterday. I think as time goes on you can actually miss people more and more. That's what it feels like to me anyway. Since then, of course, Tommy has joined you and it all just really sucks.
I just wanted to say that I am thinking about you and about how our worlds changed five years ago today. I love you very much and I miss you just as much.
XOXOXO
Your Eldest,
Chrissie aka Cricket
Gabrielle Walstrom
September 17, 2009
Hey Uncle Rudy!
So, what's been going on with you lately? Jarod misses you so so much, but then again, doesn't everyone? Tell Grandpa Louie I said "Hey, how's it going?" thanks! I will see you soon!
Gabrielle Walstrom
August 28, 2008
Hi Uncle Rudy, my family misses you a lot and so do I. We all miss you and love you.
One day I hope to see you and the rest of your family on the other side. Tell, me is beautiful on the other side? Just like my gramma Patty, I think of you each and every day and night!!
I hope you think of me too!
I Love You!
Tell Grampa Louie I said "Hi!"
Love your great neice
Gabby
Theresa Betlach
August 15, 2008
Hey Dad, It's been a while since I wrote you. But what the heck I basically talk to you everyday anyway. Hope you saw the Balloons I gave you on your Birthday with all of my Families loving messages. Keep watching over us and hopefully I'll see you soon in my dreams. Oh, and Dad "Who Loves Ya Baby"! From your #5.
Patty
August 7, 2008
I'm sure you know exactly what's been going on down here since you left us. And I'm also sure you have given the Good Lord your opinion a few times! Keep watching over all of us and keep putting in a good word for all of us...Lord knows we could use it. I love you and miss you more each passing day. There isn't any cure for the empty spot in my heart.
Chrissie Vinje
August 6, 2008
Happy Birthday Pops!
I miss you terribly but, I have a feeling you are in the vicinity given my current situation. Please continue to give me strength and a few signs along the way to make sure I am doing all the right things for Tommy! I love you!
Your Eldest
Cricket
Michael Anderson
February 9, 2008
TO BIG RUDY: I was just sitting back thinking about you. I'm sure your keeping all the other Angels on thier toes with with your jokes and your quick wit. I just wanted to let you know that I haven't forgotton about you and if you got any extra time on your wings, drop me a line. I look forward to it ! Love you, Babe ! Mike
Patty
December 23, 2007
Merry Christmas, I love and miss you.
Bud
August 18, 2007
Big Rudy,
I am still going to see all the cars in Anoka every weekend and I think back to all the fun times back then. You enjoyed all the cruizers back in our day. It kept business hoppin on a Friday/Saturday night. I walked by your parents' house last weekend. It seemed so large back in the day now it seems so small but I am sure it still holds all the ghosts and memories in its walls. Anoka has changed and its just not the same being there.
Bud
Patty
August 6, 2007
A toast to you on your birthday.
Theresa Betlach
December 23, 2006
Merry Christmas Dad. Miss you, love you.
Patty
December 23, 2006
I love and miss you so much. Have a wonderful Christmas in heaven.
Theresa Betlach
November 9, 2006
Dad, I can't believe this will be Thanksgiving #2 and Christmas #3 without you. I miss you so very much. Keep watching out for all of us and keep us safe.Thanks for showing up in my dreams It's good to know that we can still visit from time to time. Love you always and forever and ever, Baby #5.
Patty
October 16, 2006
Life goes on, but that doesn't stop me from missing you every day.
I love you big brother.
August 6, 2006
Happy Birthday, Rudy
The Rudy & Sherrill Betlach Family
March 29, 2006
Talk about legacy..here's Rudy's.........
March 29, 2006
Bob, Rudy & Patty
March 29, 2006
Officer Rudolph C Betlach
March 29, 2006
Dad, doing what he loved........
March 29, 2006
Rudy - Graduation 1957
March 29, 2006
Theresa Betlach
March 28, 2006
Dad, as each month passes by since Dec.23, 2004 It gives me comfort to remember all the times we shared together.Lately I've been remembering when I was elementary school age and we built a fish house.Lately, songs have been playing on the radio that I remember listening too when we were ice fishing. Thanks for all the precious family moments, good or not so good. God may have taken you physically from me, but I still have the memories that live strong within me. i know as much as you love children your watching over every single one of your grandchildren and great nieces and nephews. I just want to say Thank You for being their GUARDIAN ANGEL. I love you DAD, God Bless and I miss you.
Annette and Larry (St.Dennis) Aleshire
March 17, 2006
We remember Rudy as the Anoka cop who busted us the very first time we tried to make out down by the Anoka Fairgrounds! He told Larry to get me home pronto or he would haul us both in and call our parents! We loved him anyway. We always felt safer knowing he was patroling the streets. Since Patty was like a "sister", that made Rudy our "big brother". We'll miss you, Rud. Love to the family.
Jarod Walstrom
January 25, 2006
I love you, Uncle Rudy. Uncle Rudy I miss you very, very, very much. I hope you have a great time in heaven. HELP. Please watch over us.
Beth Timm
December 27, 2005
Dad,
Twelve months does not make losing you any easier. It just doesn't seem possible you have been away for that long. I love you and miss you pops!
Christine Vinje
December 26, 2005
Hey Dad,
It has been a year since you left us. How I SO did not want that day to come. I didn't want to have to say that it has been a year since I have seen you. I knew it was coming but it did not make it any easier. Now that day has passed and so will many more until I see you again. Until I do, just know that I love you and I miss you...
Love, Cricket
Patty Betlach Russell
December 23, 2005
Rest in peace, Big Rude. I love you.
Jill Tessier (Fisher)
February 8, 2005
Sherrill and Family,
Was so sorry hear of the loss of Rudy. He was a great man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I was out of town when I had heard of his passing please forgive me for not attending the funeral.
Linda Boone
January 18, 2005
To Jessica and Family - I never had the privilege of meeting Rudy, but have worked with Jessica in my job until I retired a year ago and now count Jessica as one of my friends. My heart goes out to you and your entire family. Keep the memories close to you. God Bless you all.
Stephanie Wettstaedt
January 9, 2005
Well Rudy, even in death you are still here...I got it!! We miss you terribly, but I know that you are in a better place. Take care of us from where ever you are and we will keep you close. For each time we think of you, tell your story, or share a memory...you are here. For you did not leave us behind empty handed, you left us behind with a little bit of you in each and every one of us. You are still alive, in us and we have a lifetime to hold on to that. You have loved each of us in your own way and you've given all of us something of yourself that is special to us in different ways. Each of us can recall a memory, but that memory has a different meaning...depending on who you have share that memory. And that is what we will remember, something the heart won't let us forget! I will cherish each memory that I have of you, and I will share those stories...to all who will listen. I love you, Uncle Rudy!
Caitlin Kushinski
January 7, 2005
I love you and miss you GRANDPA
Theresa Betlach
January 3, 2005
What can I say. I would not have wanted any one else to be my father. To me Rudy was my hero, my mentor, my sunshine and rain. He could be the last person you would ever want to run into, or the first person you'd hope to see that day. When I was a teenager he saved my life from myself. That very day our bond that we shared became stronger than ever. It was then I knew we spoke the same language. Thank You dad for those doses of reality that made me who I am today.Rudy may have seemed rough around the edges at times but it was only because he cared more than most people know. I love you DAD more than you will ever know. I know you are an angel among us keeping us safe and I feel comfort knowing your still making a difference and doing even greater things. You will always be rememered and you still live on through your children. I will miss you dearly and I love you.
Nicole Betlach
December 31, 2004
Finding the right words to say is almost as hard for me as it is to say good bye. No words can possible express the sadness in my heart. But I just want to say now that i should of said a lot more often, Grandpa you may have been my one and only grandpa but you were the best grandpa ever. You always made me feel so very special, and you always seemed so proud of all of your grand children.
I know tell Alexis that our grandpa is our guardian angel to watch us through the night. I also imangine you in the car with me and I just sing super loud for the world to hear, and that alone brings comfort to my heart.
A day will never go bye without a thought of you in it.
I love you so very much!!
your 1st grand-daughter,
Nicole Marie!
Beth (Betlach) Timm
December 30, 2004
I, too, would like to thank everyone for all your kind words, thoughts, prayers, flowers, and all the acts of kindness. Dad sure would be touched by all of the support given to his family over these past difficult days. Please feel free to let us know any good stories/memories of our father. We sure would love to hear them. To my Dad, Big Buckaroo, Daddio, Pops....You were always the "Big Guy from Anoka" in my eyes! I love you and miss you!!!
Bethy
Dan Masloski
December 30, 2004
May you all be bless on this most trying time. Hope you find the strength that you all need as you cope with the lose of your Father.
Chrissie (Betlach) Vinje
December 30, 2004
I would first like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and prayers during this difficult time for our family. It truly means a lot to all of us. He was a big man and a huge presence and he is terribly missed. It is hard to think of him being gone but, I know he is and will continue to be with us. He will now be more more places than he was able to be in the last few years. Thanks again to everyone for being there for our family. It will not be forgotten. Good-Bye Pops! I love you and I miss you!!!
Cricket (Chrissie)
Jessica DuCharme (Betlach)
December 29, 2004
I would just like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to all who have signed this guest book! It is very hard not to have my Dad here and I know he is in a better place. I would just like to see him smile agian and say "Hi Baby". Your thoughts and prayers are very special to us. It makes me feel good to know there were so many people who loved him. Thank you again and God Bless!
Jessica
Dawnie Marie Walstrom
December 29, 2004
Dearest Uncle Rudy,
I will truly miss you and will think of you each and every day. I needed more time with you, but I know that you are being well taken care of and you are truly happy and at peace. Remember me in the summer. I will have my toes painted for you in all my favorite colors! I know how much you always looked forward to seeing them!!
I love you so much, Dawnie Marie
Kathie Hagenah
December 29, 2004
I knew Rudy as a teenager, he worked with my mom Clara Bragelman driving bus. He was a kind and gentle influence in my life when I needed it. Even though I have not seen him for years, I will never forget the encouragement he brought each of Clara's children. Nor will I never forget, standing in St. Stephen's church and hearing him call my mom Clarabell. We still chuckle about that with her.
Karen (Froberg) Zeigle
December 28, 2004
Dear Sherrill and Family,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers! I have many fond memories of spending time with your family as a child. May the Lord surround you with His supernatural peace and comfort.
Jim Bailey
December 28, 2004
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Dear Sherrill:
Rudy’s and my HS classmate and mutual friend, Jamie James, tried to call me, but only had my OLD Asheville number and so he sent me an email which I didn’t see until today, December 28.
Much of this morning has justifiably been spent reminiscing with my wife about my friendship with Rudy, which I guess began when we both started at the THEN new high school between 4th Avenue and Hwy. 10 (1954??). The last time we saw each other was at the hospital when he was getting knee surgery. I was in Anoka at the time for the 45th class reunion, which he understandably couldn’t attend.
Needless to say, my heart goes out to you and your entire family. I will really miss seeing Rudy on my subsequent visits to Minnesota, but I will think often about our friendship. Please know Sherrill that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim Bailey
Class of ‘57
Al & Susan Campbell
December 28, 2004
I'm sorry I can't be there to pay my respects to my very good friend and co-worker for many years. Rudy and his family will be in our prayers.
Laura Vinje
December 27, 2004
Chrissie,
Our prayers go out to you and your family. May God help you through this time of heartache.
With all our love,
Laura, Eric, Anthony, Nichole
Sarah Johnson
December 27, 2004
My sincere prayers go out to the entire Betlach Family. I remember spending many, many days over at the Betlach's when I was little with my sister Kris and hanging out with Beth. Rudy adopted Kris & I as his other daughters. I always thought of him as another dad! I have so many fond memories of his laughter and love he had for children. God's Blessings to Beth and her entire family.
Nicke Stevenson
December 27, 2004
I remember Rudy as a big teddy bear, and a second father during my junior high years with Theresa. I know how special her dad was to her, and the whole family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Deb Allen
December 27, 2004
Jesse, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your famiy... I will never forget the laughs and talks Rudy and I shared when he kept us company when I was working the night shift at Country Kitchen, he not only made us laugh with all his stories, I know he always stayed a little longer because we all felt a little safer just having him there..... And years later I ran into Rudy because Jesse was dating my little brother, small world! He will be greatly missed and I am privileged to have known him.... In time you will be able to remember with love and laughter.... Take care Jesse I send a big hug ! Love Deb
Lisa Schlenker
December 27, 2004
Jessica and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Vernon Farnum
December 26, 2004
My prayers for comfort in this time of loss and the everlasting memories of your brother.
Ed Burns
December 26, 2004
Rudy was quite a fellow. My mother and I knew his father, Louie and I drove bus with Rudy for many years.
I last saw Rudy at President Bush's campaign tour this past summer. We were by the Hardees and we talked about some of the old timers we knew.
Ed Burns
Dick Charlene Moran
December 26, 2004
I lost a great friend he will be in our prayers
Janice Nicholas
December 26, 2004
Good-bye to a dear friend. I imagine you and Ron are having a good time together. God Bless you both.
Stephanie Wettstaedt
December 26, 2004
Saying good bye is never easy, but now the time is here where I have to. Good bye Uncle Rudy, I love you! We will think of you often, miss you always, and love you forever!! We will carry you in our hearts for always.
Patty
December 26, 2004
The last 7 years have been the best of my life...I miss you and I LOVE you. Your little sis...
Roxie Chudy
December 26, 2004
Dear Betlach Family,
My heart goes out to all of you as I experienced this loss earlier in the year. My memories of Rudy was he made me feel like one of the family when I was at your house. He had a great sense of humour. I admired him for being on the Anoka police force.
I hope you find comfort in your memories of him.
Roxie Chudy(Clark)
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552 East River Road, Anoka, MN 55303
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