Marcia J. Betker

Obituary

Marcia Jean (Broten) Betker was born on November 3, 1954, in Litchfield, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Donald “Donnie” and Vonnie Broten. Marcia was baptized as an infant at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield, and was confirmed in her faith as a youth in 1969 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. She spent the early years of her life in rural Litchfield before moving with her family to Hutchinson, Minnesota, in 1958. Marcia attended both Our Savior’s Lutheran School and Hutchinson Public Schools, and was a graduate of the Hutchinson High School Class of 1973.

On June 30, 1973, Marcia and Mark Betker were happily married at Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. This marriage was blessed with 50 years of marriage, three sons, and four grandchildren. During this time, Marcia used her creativity and innovative ideas in supporting Mark’s talents as a carpenter and home builder throughout the greater Hutchinson area.

Marcia had been deeply connected to her Christian faith while choosing to live out her faith through a life of action and service to others. With a devout passion for politics, she earned the status of a leader in the Minnesota DFL. Marcia proudly served as a delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver Colorado. She delivered a heartfelt speech to over three thousand delegates during a breakout session. In 2012, Marcia repeated her duty as delegate in Charlotte, North Carolina. She was a strong proponent of universal healthcare. Marcia was a Hands, Inc. Program Manager in Hutchinson for ten years, where she was a supportive and caring mentor to all.

Marcia was an early riser who never missed sharing a cup of coffee with “Morning Joe”, while catching the sunrise over Lake Jennie from the home she and Mark, along with their much-loved dachshunds, Woody and Didi” had retired to. She had a unique knack for telling a story, making an ordinary trip to the grocery store sound like the plot for a situation comedy tv show. As a fabulous cook, Marcia loved organizing get-togethers with family and good friends to showcase her culinary talents. An avid baseball fan, she especially enjoyed watching her sons play organized ball. Marcia would rarely miss a game involving her beloved Minnesota Twins.

Marcia passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family and dearest friends, on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at the age of 69 years.

Marcia was a loving wife, mother, daughter, and sister. She was also a devoted grandmother, aunt, and faithful friend. Blessed be her memory.

Marcia is survived by her:
High School Sweetheart, and love of her life, Husband, Mark Betker of rural Dassel, MN;
Sons, Joshua Betker of Hutchinson, MN,
Jacob Betker and his wife, Dana of Minneapolis, MN,
Joseph Betker of Eden Prairie, MN;
Grandchildren, Drake, Remy, Sullivan, and Tallulah;
Mother, Vonnie Broten of Hutchinson, MN;
Siblings, Linda Zachow and her husband, Jack of Largo FL,
Darrel Broten and his wife, Debra, of Champlin, MN,
Patricia Wheeler and her husband, James of Shorewood, MN,
Deborah Hedtke of Stewart, MN,
Robin Kennedy and her husband, Sean of Plattsmouth, NE,
Jason Broten and his wife DeAnna of Hutchinson, MN;
14 Nieces and Nephews (each of whom new that they were her favorite);
13 Great-Nieces and Nephews;
Brothers-in-law, Gene Betker and his wife Barb of Darwin, MN,
Paul Betker and his wife, Jan of Hutchinson, MN;
Sister-in-law, Linda Betker of Hutchinson, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.

Marcia is preceded in death by her dearly loved Brother, James “Jim” Broten on May 22, 2024; Father, Donald Broten; Grandparents, Harold and Olive Broten, and Esther Neuman Krumrie; Many Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.