Kenneth Dale Bettger

Kenneth Bettger passed away on December 1, 2024, in Billings Montana at the age of 84. He was born on July 27, 1940, in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Kenny spent his early childhood in the small mining town of Mount Harris. The family moved to Steamboat Springs where he graduated from Junior High. With his 8th grade education, Kenny went to work. He tried his hand at logging, roofing and as a rough neck. Ultimately, he started driving truck and running heavy equipment for his father Jake and excelled at both jobs. Kenny was drafted into the army in 1963 and drove trucks. He was quickly recognized for his ability to mechanic and began working on trucks and equipment. He returned home in 1965, tended bar at the Pioneer in Steamboat, where he met and fell in love with Phyllis Buchanan. They married on November 5th, 1966, and were happily married for 58 years. Kenny joined his father and brother Cecil in the family business, Bettger Sand & Gravel. He bought land and built a log home for his wife and growing family. In the 1980's Kenny went to work for Steamboat Ski Corp. at Slope Maintenance as a welder and mechanic, he quickly became the Shop Forman. He retired in 1997 and moved to Byron Wyoming with his wife because he was tired of the long snowy winters, and tourists.
Kenny had many talents, he was an excellent mechanic, welder, and builder. He was passionate about the outdoors and shared that with his family. He loved camping, fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling. Also, Kenny enjoyed bowling, playing cards, gambling, and racing stock cars. He was a talented guitar player and sang at family gatherings. Ken was a great storyteller with so many life experiences to share. Kenneth had a tremendous work ethic which he carried into retirement. He worked tirelessly on his beautiful yard and garden. He also worked to rebuild his 1987 GMC truck he called "Thunder". He equally loved his down time, watching boxing and his beloved Denver Broncos. However, his favorite time was spent during happy hour in the club house listening to or playing old time country music while drinking Miller High Life and smoking a cigar.
Kenneth is survived by his sons Troy, wife Shawneen Bettger of Hayden Co. Chester, wife Genevieve Bettger of Clark Wy. Daughter Susan, husband Kurt Waldo of Durango, Co. Nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife Phyllis; parents Jake and Lydia Bettger; siblings Richard, Cecil, and Edna. Kenneth will be dearly missed, forever in our hearts, with a fun, courageous, and bold spirt, he touched all who knew him.
A service will be held for Kenneth at the Haskell Funeral Home in Lovell, Wy. on December 14th at 2:00 pm. Followed by a graveside memorial at the Byron Cemetery, with a reception to follow at Chester and Genny's home in Cark.
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