Donald Hugo Betzler

Donald Hugo Betzler, age 97 of Monticello, peacefully passed away August 9, 2024 at CentraCare Health in Monticello surrounded by his loving family.

Don was born in Minneapolis on June 1, 1927 and grew up in a farmhouse with his parents and six siblings in the Hasty/Silver Creek area. As a child, he walked 2.5 miles each way to attend Carter School, a one-room, 1st-8th grade county school in Silver Creek, MN. At age 17, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy serving in World War II from 1945 until his honorable discharge in 1948. After his service, he worked for Ford Motor Company, then attended trade school, followed by a 37 year career at Honeywell working on various aerospace projects including Apollo. Don had an “engineer” mind and could fix just about anything, from home repairs to cars.

Don married his wife Ruth, of 64 years, at Prince of Glory Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Throughout his life, Don enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping trips, and playing cards, especially enjoying times he spent with his family and friends. He loved to travel, visiting all 50 states and also surprised Ruth with a trip to Hawaii for their 25th anniversary. After retirement, he and Ruth, toured Europe and also spent many winters in Texas, Arizona, California and two summers in Alaska. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Hugo Betzler; son, Mark Betzler; sisters, Dorothy Greene and Marilyn Loch; and brother, Ralph Betzler.

Don is survived by his wife, Ruth; daughter, Laura (Mark) Cawein; grandchildren, Scott (Liz) Betzler, Mariah (Trey) Kuefler, Robert (Anna) Betzler, and Sara Cawein; great-grandchildren, Louella Betzler and Kit Kuefler; sister, Joyce Hankins; brothers, Steve and Gary Betzler, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A memorial service to celebrate Don's life will be held at his church of 21 years, Resurrection Lutheran Church, 9100 Jason Ave NE, Monticello on Monday, September 9, 2024, with visitation starting at 10:00 AM, service at 11:00 AM, followed by luncheon at the church. Internment at Highland Cemetery in Silver Creek Township, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Don's name may go to Resurrection Lutheran Church or to Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge.

Don will be remembered as a loving husband, wonderful dad, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend. Don primarily through his actions, not words, instilled in his family faith, love, loyalty, integrity, hard work and kindness. His smile was memorable and his blue eyes sparkled when he spoke of the people for whom he cared and for the countless times he had a winning hand at "Crazy Eights".  Don will be greatly missed by all.

Peterson-Grimsmo Chapel, Monticello, MN 763-295-2918 www.peterson-grimsmochapel.com

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