Donald Bethke Obituary
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Mary Bethke Aguila
March 23, 2019
Don Bethke was the one who took the Bethke Gomez picture. I wish I knew what he said to make them laugh like that!! ;-)
Irene Gomez Bethke
March 7, 2019
Irene Gomez Bethke would like the family to know that our family is offering prayers for not only Don & Kathy but all the Bethke Willner relatives that have passed on.
Jack & Irene with Grandma & Grandpa Gomez.
Mary Bethke Aguila
March 3, 2019
My Godfather was my Dad's hero!
They had a wonderful devotion to Our Lady. I am grateful for all the wonderful stories my Dad told me about Uncle Don. He was a loving dutiful brother. He was a volunteer with his church. He was a loving & thoughtful man. I will continue to remember & pray for my Godfather Don Bethke.
Joe Fahey
March 24, 2013
I was so sad to hear when my mom told me that Don had passed away. Although my parents had many wonderful friends, I always remember Don being a very nice and friendly person who I felt very comfortable around as a kid and as an adult.
As my sister Mary Sue mentioned, we had a terrific visit from the Bethke family when we lived in Boulder, Colorado in the 60s. We had fun night of setting off fireworks and there was much comfort knowing that Don was a fireman, we knew we were in good hands.
I remember we had a Ringo Starr bubble bath dispenser that some us kids thought might be kind of fun to blow up and, well, it was. Many years later I saw it in a Beatles collectibles book and it was valued at about $50 at the time and I couldn't help but think that whatever the value, it was worth it. It was part of the fun and a reminder of a great visit from a nice family.
My condolences to the Bethke family for their loss.
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Mary Sue Fahey Foley
March 21, 2013
I was stunned to hear the sad news about Don! I remember how much fun we had in Boulder when your family came out to visit. Don put on a fantastic display of fireworks in our yard. That ranked way up there as one of my favorite childhood memories!
Don was one of the first people to take me for a spin on the dance floor at my wedding! We really appreciated all the candid photos he took that night as well. That was so thoughtful!
The photo you selected captures the way I remembered Don. Always with a smile and warm welcome. He will be missed.
March 21, 2013
Donnna,
I never knew your dad but anyone who could produce a child like you must have been a great man. I hope you surround yourself with friends and family to help you through this journey we call life.
Best to you Hippy, Cris Hamann
Elizabeth Rodgers
March 19, 2013
My Dear Bethke family:, I am so so very sorry to hear of Uncle Don's passing. He was quite the amazing man. He always made everyone feel so comfortable, chatting easily with us all and never without a smile, laugh or interesting fact.
I remember growing up in north Minneapolis and chasing the fire engine screaming at the top of my (our) lungs, "That's my Uncle Don!" We were so proud to brag about him especially when he was on the very end of the hook and ladder! Oh how we would wave and scream "Hi Uncle Don". Once in a awhile we'd get a return wave. That was 'HUGE!'
Uncle Don in my opinion, was, simply put, 'Thee BEST!' He would always find me at family gatherings and ask how island life was but then, he'd always throw in some sort of interesting fact about Oahu, or the islands. Then he'd be on his way to chat with the next person sharing a little bit of himself with everyone. What is not to love and miss about him!?
Aunt Kath, Bethke cousins my heart aches for all of you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers and will be for a very very long time.
Much Love & Aloha ~ Liz
Steve Prozinski
March 12, 2013
I'll miss Don and wish I had seen him once more before he was gone. Thank you Kath and family for all the wonderful memories.
Ruthie Martin
March 12, 2013
Oh Charles, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family....there are no words, as I know so well. Even as we weep, Heaven rejoices-Our Father is welcoming your Beloved Dad into His loving arms. Peace, Ruthie
Dale and Cindy Plaisance
March 12, 2013
Mike and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss of your dad You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Lean on Jesus through these tough times. If there is anything we can do let us know.
Dale, Cindy and Rachel Plaisance
Anne Johnson (Rowles)
March 11, 2013
I am just so sad to hear of Uncle Don's passing. Aunt Kath, my heart breaks for you and my dear Bethke cousins. Thinking of days long ago, I recall the really cool snow slide your family created/built that wrapped around the side of the house - Uncle Don was right there with us sliding down on the sleds. A wonderful man, so kind and thoughtful- our world a better place with his spirit in our lives. God bless each of you and my thoughts, prayers and memories are with you.
March 11, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. There were so many good times. Don always had a smile on his face. I am sure you will miss him deeply. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I will not be able to be at the service but I will be thinking of you,
Carol Stone old neighbor and friend.
Paula Fahey Rahill
March 10, 2013
I'm so sorry for the loss of such a good person. Don always made me smile. He took so much interest in everyone and everything. I loved how he was always playing with a new gadget. I think he missed a few good photos while he was tinkering with the settings of whatever new model he was testing.
I will think of him every time I see pictures from my youngest son's 5th birthday party, which we had at his beloved firemans' museum. He will be greatly missed.
March 10, 2013
I will always be grateful to Uncle Don, Aunt Kath, and my Bethke cousins for all the great times I had there as a kid. One of my favorite memories of Uncle Don is how he often took us to the Crystal pool on hot summer nights. He would swim too because he was a "cool" dad. If we behaved and/or were just lucky, he would even swing by DQ on the way home and get us Dilly Bars. I'm sure Aunt Kath appreciated those nights! I used to spend days (or was it weeks?)at a time over there, but the Bethke's always made me feel welcome and like part of the family. I treasure those good times. My heart goes out to Aunt Kath and all the Bethkes. I'm so sorry for your loss. Uncle Don was a great guy, and will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.
Sara Kiley
Sara Kiley
Sharon (Rachner) Reinert
March 9, 2013
My sympathy to you Kathy and the family. You were great neighbors on Girard and dear friends. May Don rest in peace. God bless you all.
Jay Kelly
March 9, 2013
I remember many laughs and watching Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Bethke house! Kath and family, thoughts and prayers for you during this difficult time. Love you!
March 9, 2013
Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. My father Mike Hoff was a old friend of Dons. He just passed as well just over a month ago. I heard the last name Bethke all the time over the years growing up. I know how hard this loss is. But, I can't help but smile thinking of all those old buddies having a great time reminicsing up there in heaven..
Mollie Kobilka (Mike Hoff's daughter)
Cindy Roden
March 9, 2013
Will miss seeing Don on Cedar Lake.
March 8, 2013
from chaif maxwell firemuseum you will be missed and been a good friend chaif steve maxwell.
Mary Undis
March 8, 2013
My heart goes out to my loving Godmother, Aunt Kathy, and to my cousins Jim, Mike, Donna, Chris, Suellen, Charlie, and Dolly. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Uncle Don I love you may the Holy Family hug you for me.
Love,
Mary Undis
Don, Jean, & Jack bethke
Mary Undis
March 8, 2013
Mary Catherine Rowles
March 8, 2013
Uncle Don was always such a cheerful enthusiastic presence at any family gathering. Always smiling, always kind and curious. I loved that he was an early adopter of everything from new cameras to new model cars. We all will miss him terribly.
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