Harold J. Bethke

Harold J. Bethke, 81, of 1343 Logan Avenue, passed away Wednesday evening, July 11, 2007 at St. Nicholas Hospital.

Born April 15, 1926 in Detroit, MI, Harold was a son of the late Elmer and Elizabeth Frey Bethke.

Having graduated from Central High School at 4:00 p.m., he left Sheboygan at 5:00 p.m. to serve his country in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946.

On January 25, 1947, he was united in marriage to Kathleen Arnoldi.

Harold was a machine operator mechanic for American Orthodontic, retiring in 1989. He previously worked for Kingsbury Brewery and the Kohler Co. He was a member of St. John United Church of Christ. He was a member of the V.F.W. Bowling league for 41 years. He also enjoyed golfing and playing cards in many card clubs with friends and neighbors. His greatest joy was the time he spent with his family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; his daughter, Vicky (Bill) Ruff, Madison; a son-in-law, Gary Gordon, Tipton, IN; six grandchildren, Eric (Ann) Nelson, Racine, Jennifer Gordon, Lawrence, KS, Erin (Erik) Miller, Racine, Christopher Gordon, Center, ND, Timothy (Nicole) Nelson, Madison, and Joshua Gordon, Center, ND; three great grandchildren, Ambrose and Viggo Nelson, and Kaleb Miller, all of Racine; two sisters, Jane (Joe) Reklaitis, Sheboygan Falls, and Mary Feval, Sheboygan; a brother, Elmer Bethke, Jr., Green Lake; two sisters-in-law, Mary (Warren) Bethke Wilterdink, Sheboygan, and Carol Bethke, AZ; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Roberta Gordon; a granddaughter, Stacey Nelson; and three brothers, Robert, James, and Fred; and a sister, Betty Ann Bethke.

Funeral services for Harold will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, July 16, 2007 at St. John United Church of Christ, 13th & Lincoln Avenue. The Rev. Gregory Whelton, pastor, will officiate. Family and friends are welcome at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Entombment will take place in Gardens of Peace Mausoleum of Greenlawn Memorial Park with full Military Honors.

source:www.sheboygan-press.com