Mr. Douglas Raymond Bethke's Obituary
Douglas Raymond Bethke, age 84, lifelong resident of Grand Haven, passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2015, at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids. He was born on April 1, 1930, in Grand Haven to George and Margaret (Crouse) Bethke, and married Dorothy Louise Kozicki on September 28, 1957, in Grand Haven. Douglas served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1955 as S/Sgt. during the Korean War. He was a member of the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28. He worked as a construction superintendent with the Michigan Carpenters Union Local #100 for many years, retiring in 1994. He enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, and most of all treasured spending time with his family. Douglas is lovingly remembered by his wife, Dorothy Bethke of Grand Haven; son, Mark (Lu Ann) Bethke of Grand Haven; and granddaughter, Tamara Bethke (fiancé, John Zevalkink); sister, Beverly Baggott of Grand Haven; three brothers: George (Louise) Bethke of Oklahoma, Howard (Dorace) Bethke of Grand Rapids, and Thomas Bethke of Grand Haven; three sisters-in-law: Mary Kozicki, Wanda Kozicki, and Ruth (Roger) Bolthouse; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service for Doug will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2015, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 1401 South Griffin St., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions to the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28 or the American Red Cross are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com. The family is being served by VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home of Grand Haven.
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