Charles H. Bethke age 90 of Redwood Falls passed away peacefully with family by his side on Monday, December 7, 2015 at Seasons Hospice in Redwood Falls. A private family memorial service and interment will be held at Ft. Snelling. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home in Redwood Falls is assisting the family with arrangements.
Charles Harold Bethke was born December 2, 1925 in Camp Township, near Franklin, Minnesota to Carl and Edna (Roeber) Bethke. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Franklin. Charles attended school in Franklin until the 8th grade, and later at the Morris Agriculture School. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. in 1944 and served in the Pacific Marshall Islands and Okinawa during WWII. He was honorably discharged in 1946. On June 21, 1951 Charles married Elva Stuber at Peace Lutheran Church in Winthrop. The couple lived near Morton where Charles farmed. Charles worked for the State of Minnesota on the bridge crew for 25 years. He loved working with his hands and enjoyed carpentry and brick laying. Charles was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, and his faith was very important to him. He was also a member of the Morton American Legion, and VFW in Redwood Falls. Charles enjoyed reading, history, sports, and music – especially country western and polka. The biggest joys of Charles’ life were his kids, grandchildren and the love of his wife, Elva.
Charles is survived by his wife Elva; children: Greg (Linda) of St. Paul, Larry (Dana) of Phoenix, AZ, James of Redwood Falls, Marcia (Randy) Maland of Redwood Falls, Charlotte (James) Dixon of Castle Rock, CO, and Amy (Brian) Pendleton of Redwood Falls; 10 grandchildren: Christine Hunter, Danielle Bethke, Erin Bethke, Kate and Beth Maland, Jimmy Jr., Katie, and Gunnar Dixon, Tyler and Zak Pendleton; three great grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law Lorraine Bethke. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Edith Xavier, and brother Alvin Bethke.
Our sympathy to the Bethke family. May God surround you all with his loving arms in this time or sorrow.
In sympathy, John and Diane
Our sympathy on the passing of Charles. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Jeff and Sue Bidinger
Elva and family
I am so sorry about the passing of Charles. I am so glad I was able to have a visit with him last Friday and the memories we shared of the past. Elva you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. You hang on to all the beautiful memories your family has. Take one day at a time and remember Elva I am only a phone call away. God bless.
Marcia, Amy and Families,
My sincere sympathy in the passing of your dad and grampa.
We would like to express our sympathy on your loss. We keep you in our prayers.
God bless you during these hard times. From Herb and Mary Brauer
Elva, Charlotte, Amy, Marcia and the entire Bethke family–
Please accept my belated but heartfelt sympathy in the passing of your husband and father. I know he was a good and special man who lived a remarkable life. I remember the last time I talked with Charlotte she said with a huge smile that he was a “teddy bear”. I will always remember that. Love never dies, so he will always be with each of you.
Bless your sweet hearts,
Mary Blue