MICHAEL BETKER

MICHAEL ROBERT BETKER Michael passed away peacefully at home due to an unknown medical condition on March 4, 2025. Michael Robert Betker (Moose) was born May 1, 1979, in Minneapolis to Bruce Betker and Judy (Johnson) Betker. He was baptized on June 24, 1979, at St. Luke's Lutheran church in Bloomington and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo. Mike graduated from Buffalo High School, class of '97. He continued his education at St. Cloud State where he completed his bachelors degree in economics. On August 13, 2011, Mike was united in marriage to the love of his life, Laura Kohn. Their marriage was blessed with three beautiful children; Bruce, Sullivan, and Rowan. Starting in 2010, Mike pursued a career as a financial advisor for Thrivent, where he successfully completed his Series 7. Shortly thereafter, Mike was ready to conquer what was next and became the finance director for the City of Granite Falls, simultaneously, completing his bachelor's degree in accounting in 2016 at Bemidji State University. In 2017, Mike and Laura decided to move back to the cities to be closer to family before the boys started school. At this time, Mike became the finance director for the City of Isanti. Needless to say, Mike always had a strong desire to learn and grow. Mike was an amazing athlete, running track and field through college. He was a lifelong hockey player, playing from his earliest years through adulthood. His love of the sport overflowed to his boys and their teammates. Mike cared for his communities and loved being involved. He served as president of Kiwanis and church treasurer while living in Granite Falls. Additionally, while working for the City of Isanti, Mike organized the Texas Hold'Em Tournament for the Minnesota Government Finance Officers Association's annual conference for a number of years. Mike also became a dedicated advocate for the growth of the Rogers Youth Hockey Association (RYHA). Mike's priority was clearly his young family. He loved vacations at the beach and lake days with Laura, the boys and the Kohn family. Mike loved the day-to-day shenanigans too. Whether it was fishing, shooting pucks or working out with the boys, cracking witty jokes, late night grocery shopping, or the boys' school artwork; he embraced and appreciated it all. When Mike wasn't on the ice or working on Laura's list of home improvements, you could find him taking a snooze, jotting down words of wisdom, or playing the role of Poker General at his friends' poker nights. Mike was a beloved colleague, mentor, and leader in all of his endeavors; known for his integrity, kindness, attention to detail, and infectious smile. He will be deeply missed by many. He is survived by his loving wife Laura and sons Sullivan (11) and Rowan (8), his mother Judy Betker, sister Bethany Sawchyn (Betker), brother Adam (Kristi) Betker, aunt Sharon Olson (Steve), cousins Kelsey Holmberg (Samuel) and Philip Olson (Jayla), and Laura's parents Robin and Susan Kohn, sisters Kristine Johnson (Trent), and April Zea (Dilque), grandma Anita Rigge, nieces and nephews Nick, Grace, Noah, Glory, Lacey, Maggie, Mariana, Lindsey, Liam, Alex, Mateo, Penelope, Miles, Abby, Henry, Ellie, and Hallie. Mike is preceded in death by his son Bruce Haven Betker, father Bruce Betker, grandparents Kenneth Betker, Pearl Betker, Chet Joslyn, and Betty Joslyn, aunt Val Plihal, uncle Bob Johnson, cousin Tim Plihal, and by Laura's grandparents Vernon Rigge, Reuben and Ona Kohn and uncle Jim Banken. Words of wisdom from Mike Betker (Moose): "God is going to give you what God is going to give you, and He isn't asking you what you think about it. He is asking what you are going to do about it." "Do not be afraid of the pain that leads us from the dark into the light." Many more to come. Service Details: Date: March 17, 2025 Location: St John's Lutheran Church in Buffalo Order of Remembrance Events: 1 - 2:30 p.m. - Visitation 3 p.m. - Funeral Service 4 p.m. - Refreshments 5 p.m. - Close - Celebration of life to follow at Cowboy Jacks in Otsego In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations will be used to support the Betker family, RYHA "Expand the RAC" Rink Drive, and the hockey community. The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com