Joan Bethke Obituary
Joan was born in the Richland Hospital on December 22, 1954, to Harold and Eileen Price. She was the fifth of six children. Joan graduated from River Valley High School in 1973 and from UW-Stout in 1977, with a degree in dietetics. She married Carl Bethke on October 28, 1978, after which, together, they began farming the Bethke Family Farm in Eagle Township. Their son, Steve, was born February 15, 1980; he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of one. Steve was severely handicapped, but brought immense joy to everyone who knew him, and God could not have given him a more loving or devoted mother than Joan. In addition, Joan was a member of the Richland Center United Methodist Church, often lent her services as a lay speaker to area churches and nursing homes, and was also a very active member of the Pine Valley Foundation.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents and son, Steven. She is survived by her husband, Carl Bethke; siblings Peggy (Don) Orth, Don (Julie) Price, Jill (Bill) Tingley, Sue Price, and Dick (Cheryl) Price; a sister-in-law, Mari Sue Bethke; a brother-in-law, Al (Kim) Bethke; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Joan's family wishes to thank Pine Valley Community Village, Dr. Andrew Wright, Agrace Hospice Care, and the folks at the Richland Medical Center and Hospital (especially those in the ER and the Kraemer Center) for the excellent care that they gave Joan.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Richland Center United Methodist Church (formerly Trinity United Methodist Church), 400 E. Seminary St., Richland Center, followed by burial in the Richland Center Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 11, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Pratt Memorial Chapel and on Saturday, July 12, at the Richland Center United Methodist Church from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements. prattfuneralservice.com
The family asks that memorial contributions be made to G.R.A.C.E. (Greater Richland Area Cancer Elimination) or the Pine Valley Foundation.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joan, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Sandy keller
July 10, 2025
Larry and I are SO sorry to hear about Joan, although if we really knew the Joy she has now, being face to face with Jesus, we would not wish her back! She is so happy and joyful being with her/our Lord and Savior, something we can only imagine and yet are not able to completely comprehend. We are praying for the Lord´s comfort for you Carl, that you will feel Jesus´ arms around you and know He is with you every minute of every day! You also have many relatives and friends who are here for you whenever you need to talk, or when you need anything. We´re praying for you!
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Gordon B. Price and Joyce A Price
July 9, 2025
Joan was younger than me by a few years, so I don't remember much specific about her. However, I do remember her and her family living on the nearby farm in Pen Hollow when we were growing up. Sounds like Joan was a great person and reflected the wisdom and moral character that she learned from her childhood.
My sympathy to the Bethke and Price families.
Gordon Price
The Staff of Pratt Funeral Home
July 8, 2025
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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