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Francis BETZ Obituary
Francis E., of Beaverton, Oregon, died November 29, 2013 following a long illness. He was born and raised in Cliffside Park, N.J. to Francis J. and Julia T. Betz.
Frank, as he was known to family and friends, graduated from Don Bosco High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy (1963-1967) and proudly served two tours during the Vietnam War as an Electrical Technician (ETR3) onboard the USS Monmouth County LST 1032. He received the Vietnam Campaign medal, National Defense Service medal and the Vietnam Service medal; furthermore, the ship received a Letter of Navy Commendation for its service during the war.
Following an honorable discharge from the Navy, Frank received his Masters in Education from California State University Los Angeles in 1972. He began teaching with the Hacienda-La Puente Unified School District, CA 1972-1980 then Oregon Salem Keizer School District 1980-1995. He specialized in working with Special Needs and Elementary School children.
He was a member of VFW Post 4617 in Beaverton, Oregon. In 2011, he founded the Welcome Home Coin project, which was his heart's desire to honor veterans especially those who served in Vietnam. He created the Welcome Home Coin Project and designed Welcome Home Coins to honor his son Michael and the soldiers of Michael's unit, the 1-140th Aviation Assault Battalion, and other Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam veterans. Frank would greet each veteran with "Welcome Home, Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice" followed by a handshake and a Welcome Home Coin -- a legacy of generosity and kindness that will not be forgotten.
Frank is survived by his sons Michael and Daniel; granddaughter Michelle; sisters Julia Betz and Teresa Machinski; brothers Tom and Stephen; nephews Brian, Kurt, Christian and Lucas; and nieces Amanda, Kendall, Olivia and Claudia.
A service will be held at 11 AM Saturday January 11, 2014 at The Wilhelm Portland Memorial Funeral Home 6705 S.E. 14th Avenue, Portland, OR 97202. For more information and to sign the online guest book: www.wilhelmportlandmemorial.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Francis BETZ
Bill martens
December 9, 2024
I still miss you Francis,I pray for you often I am pushing 80 now so i guess we will be Neighbors again in the not too distant future, looking forward to seeing you. Bill
Bill martens
February 5, 2024
Francis i wish you were still here, i miss you
Bill Martens
December 9, 2022
I MISS YOU FRANCIS, I HOPE WE WILL MEET AGAIN SOME DAY. bill
bill Martens
December 9, 2020
I miss you more then ever Francis.
Raleen Hungate
December 9, 2019
Frank, I can still hear your voice, can still feel your hugs, can still remember ... it seems impossible it has been so long ... Hugs, Dear Friend.
bill martens
December 10, 2014
I miss you Francis
USS Monmouth County (LST-1032)
Roger Sheetz
September 10, 2014
"I saw a ship a sailing on the mourn,
and Francis was at the rail."
Bill Martens
January 3, 2014
A giving and sharing person that put others before himself a loyal and trusted friend.I will miss him a lot forever
Bill martens
Raleen Hockenberry
December 29, 2013
Frank - what a gentle soul - greeted in glory by the brother who held your heart for so many years. Celebrate and enjoy the party of eternity ... no pain, no suffering ... your projects (from child to adult) have touched so many souls ... thank you for touching my life ... See you "on the other side," dear Friend, Hugs.
To Frank's family and friends, may peace fill your hearts ... I am just one of many blessed with having shared time on earth with him ..
Angelina Jastrzebski
December 15, 2013
Betz family you have lost an integral member of your clan! I am so sorry to read of your loss! Terri & Stephen, my condolences to you and your family! Love, Angelina Salandra-Jastrzebski
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