Doran Oliver F. Bethke

Doran Bethke of Saginaw, Michigan, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the age of 96. He is reunited with his wife Gerry, who passed away on September 18, 2017. He had resided at Edgewood Assisted Living in Saginaw for the last 2 years.

Doran Oliver F. Bethke was born on May 2, 1929, in Fremont Township, Hemlock, Michigan. His parents were August and Myrtle (Clarke) Bethke. Doran met the love of his life Geraldine R. Smith at Koeppen’s General Store in LaPorte. They were married in the LaPorte Methodist Church on August 22, 1947. They celebrated their 70th anniversary just prior to Gerry’s passing in September of 2017.

Doran was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church on Pretzer Rd. in Hemlock, and he served as an usher from the time he was confirmed until he turned 90 years old. He also served as an usher at Lutheran churches in Midland, Freeland, and Saginaw over the years. He was a member of the Michigan National Guard for several years in the 1950’s.

After getting married he worked at Dow Chemical in Midland. He became a certified Journeyman Pipe Fitter in 1958 and retired in 1982. While working full time he also found time to build a home for the family. Later he helped Mom run the Freeland Drive-In from 1960 – 1962.

Dad and Mom enjoyed playing cards, bowling, and deer hunting together. Dad was a charter member of the Red Cap Rattlers Hunting Club for several years. They had also been members of both Wally Byam and Good Sam Camping Clubs. They walked the Mackinaw Bridge on several Labor Days.

After retiring from Dow, Dad went into the flea market business, as “Busy Bzzz.” He started out going from town to town on weekends then rented a couple different buildings and eventually landed at the Giant Public Market for 10+ years. Then the business moved to his own pole barn.

Doran is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kathy (Greg) Rollwagen of Saginaw; five grandchildren: Branden Bethke of Forsythe, MO, Kendra (John) Huckins of Riverdale, MI, Jared (Melinda) Bethke of Lancing, TN, Rikki Bethke, and Quinten (Samantha) Bethke of Jackson, MI, and granddaughter-in-law, Angela (Joe) Smith of Birch Run, MI; ten great-grandchildren: Jamie Curtis, Ronnie Bock, Sawyer, Easton, and Brooks Huckins, Nicole Bishop, Dakota, Tanner, Shelby and Gabriella Bethke, two step great-grandchildren, Ashley and Damon Hudson, and one great-great-granddaughter, Hadliegh Jo Curtis.

Doran is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Marlene Smith and Cathy Smith, and previous sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Smith. He also leaves his church family, nieces, nephews, many family friends, and neighbors.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son and daughter-in-law, Rollie and Bonnie Bethke; his brother and sister-in-law, Robert “Bob” and Bethel Bethke, and their son Dennis Bethke; one grandson, Bill Bock and one grand-daughter-in-law, Charity Bethke; three brothers-in-law, Ronnie, Ken, and Gene Smith, and two sisters-in-law, Nora Huebner and Eleanor Donaldson.

Friends may visit with the family from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 22, 2025, at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 5250 Mackinaw Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603, where friends may visit with the family 10:00 a.m. until time of the service. Rev. Jacob Kempfert will officiate the service, with interment to follow in LaPorte Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Peace Lutheran Church, Doran’s family, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

The family would like to thank the staff of Edgewood Assisted Living and All Valley Hospice Care, for their combined care of Dad over the last 2 years. We couldn’t have done it without you All, and God!

Please share your thoughts and memories of Doran at the visitation and service, or by visiting www.casefuneralhome.com.