Lewis “Butch” C. Bettcher

Obituary

Lewis “Butch” C. Bettcher was born on March 24, 1928, in Lester Prairie, Minnesota. He was the son of Arthur and Stella (Moenke) Bettcher. He was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth. He received his education in Lester Prairie and graduated with the High School class of 1946.

On December 8, 1950, Butch joined the United States Army. He served during the Korean War as a Corporal. Butch was awarded the Korean Service Medal with camp star and the UN service medal. On September 9, 1952, he was Honorably Discharged. When he returned home, Butch attended and graduated from Dunwoody Institute as a machinist.

On June 9, 1956, Butch was united in marriage to Elizabeth “Liz” Gruer by Pastor W.F. Mueller at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Auburn, Minnesota. Butch and Liz made their home in Lester Prairie, Minnesota. God blessed their marriage with three sons, Joel, James, and Joshua. They shared and enjoyed over 56 years of marriage when Liz passed away on January 6, 2013.

Butch’s Father, Arthur, founded Bettcher’s Garage in Lester Prairie in 1931. Butch purchased Bettcher’s Garage from his Father in 1961. He owned and operated the business until 1981 when Butch retired and sold the business.

Butch was a faithful member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie, Minnesota, learning the word of God daily was something of great importance to him.

Butch enjoyed the great outdoors; fishing and hunting. He cherished the time he spent with his family and grandchildren. 

Butch passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at GlenFields Living With Care in Glencoe at the age of 94. Blessed be his memory.

Butch is survived by his:
Sons,   James Bettcher and his wife, Brenda, of Glencoe, MN, Joshua Bettcher and his wife, Kim, of Detroit Lakes, MN;
Daughter-in-law, Amy Bettcher of Lester Prairie, MN;
Grandchildren, Nicholas Bettcher, Bethany Bettcher, Leah Bettcher, David Bettcher,  Jacob Bettcher, Alexandra Bettcher, Gabriella Bettcher;
Brother, Carl Bettcher and his wife, Marlene, of Spokane, WA;
Sister, Brenda Bettcher of Edmonds, WA;
Sister-in-law, Pearl Ortloff of Glencoe, MN;   
Nieces, Nephews, Other relatives and many friends.

Butch was preceded in death by his Parents, Arthur and Stella Bettcher; Wife, Elizabeth “Liz” Bettcher; Son, Joel Bettcher; Granddaughter, Natalie Bettcher.