Dorothy Louise Bethke's Obituary
Dorothy Louise Bethke, age 88, a life long resident of Grand Haven, peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2023. She was the youngest of seven children, born to the late Walter and Otylia (Davidowski) Kozicki on July 22, 1934. She married Douglas Raymond Bethke on September 28, 1957 and they celebrated 57 years of marriage together, before his passing on February 3, 2015.
Dorothy was employed by the Village of Spring Lake as their secretary for the Spring Lake/Ferrysburg Police Department for many years.
She enjoyed spending time with her family, tending to her gardens, an avid reader, crocheting, drawing, listening to soothing jazz music and watching college football (especially Notre Dame). Dorothy loved to cook and bake, passing along many of her favorite Polish recipes. She took great pride in everything she bake, especially her pies.
Dorothy is survived by her son, Mark (Lu Ann) Bethke; granddaughter, Tamara (John) Zevalkink; great-granddaughter, Clara Ann Zevalkink; and great-grandson, John Douglas Zevalkink. Also surviving are her sister-in-laws, Beverly Baggott, Louise Bethke and Dorace Bethke; brother-in-law, Tom Bethke; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life for Dorothy will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be directed to the American Red Cross or Lakeshore Assisted Living (A Program of Baruch Senior Ministries) of Grand Haven, MI.
The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services (620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417) is honored to be serving the Bethke family. To share special memories with the family and sign the online guestbook, please visit http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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