Douglas N. Betts
Wednesday, October 26, 1932
Date of Death:
Friday, August 19, 2022
Age:
89 years old
Wednesday, October 26, 1932
Date of Death:
Friday, August 19, 2022
Age:
89 years old
Wednesday, October 26, 1932
Date of Death:
Friday, August 19, 2022
Age:
89 years old
Douglas N. Betts
Douglas Norman (Doug) Betts, age 89, of Bozeman, MT, passed away on August 19, 2022, surrounded by his family.
Doug was born on October 26, 1932 in Watopa Township, MN, to Everet and Hazel Julia (Erickson) Betts. As a boy, he lived on many dairy farms in Minnesota and Wisconsin before moving to Rochester, Minnesota, where his folks worked for Dr. Charles Mayo on the Mayowood farms. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1951 before studying civil engineering and land surveying at Rochester Junior College and the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1957.
Doug married Lillian Eva VonOsten on June 23, 1957, and together they raised three daughters: Kay Marie, Karen Ann, and Ann Marie. After about five years working with Wenzel & Co. in Great Falls, MT, Doug joined Ken McGhie to form McGhie & Betts, Inc., Consulting Engineers and Land Surveyors, in Rochester.
In 1989, Doug and Lillian moved to their property in Bozeman, MT, where Doug restored antique Ford Tractors and used his equipment to grow and harvest hay for the neighbor’s animals. He loved travel, camping in the mountains of the West, and meeting relatives he found during extensive genealogy research.
Doug is survived by his wife, Lillian Eva (VonOsten) Betts; brother, Robert Allen Betts; daughters, Kay Marie (George) Weaver, Karen Betts (Cary) Mielke, Ann Marie (Philip) Thiessen; and grandchildren, Benjamin Douglas Mielke, Cameron Everet Mielke, and Mary Elizabeth Weaver. He was preceded in death by his parents, Everet and Hazel Julia.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 25, 2022 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Reception to follow.
Condolences
The family of Douglas N. Betts has received the following condolences.
Condolences to my long time next door neighbors as a kid growing up on 25th Street in SW Rochester. Sorry for your loss Lillian, Kay, Karen, and Ann. Your father was a a very good man; even when I rode my bike through his finely manicured yard on numerous occasions as a kid :) Warmest regards, BJ Flynn
Lillian and all of Doug’s family,
My brother wrote “Once formed, these friendships endured across the years and the miles, from the Rochester Archery Club, through his career, 8th Street, Hot Springs Village, and Bottineau and all those in between. Thank you to all of his friends for the joy and richness you added to life.” when Dad (Lowell Helgerson) passed away. This was meant for Mom’s and Dad’s lifelong friends and Doug and Lillian were among them. Dad became animated recalling their trips to Alaska driving the Alaskan highway. He was amazed how Doug carried a shop in the back of his 5th wheel and repaired a broken axle on his camper along the side of the highway! (I am not sure if dad watched Doug more or was lookout for large, hungry predators while they were stopped!) What adventure for ‘retired’ folks!
Doug dropped everything and traveled hundreds of miles to be there with us, and for us, twice in the past 5 years. Dad’s respect for Doug and thankfulness for his friendship were obvious. Lillian, and all friends and family - remember, share, and enjoy those memories – tears and all! They will help soften your loss but keep him alive in your lives and hearts! Doug was a true Blessing to all who knew him. I am sorry we were unable to be there for you.
Our sincerest condolences, Odin Helgerson and Holly (Helgerson) Burch
Heartfelt condolences to the Betts family. Doug was always a generous, kind and funny guy who shone his light freely. He will be missed.
Love,
Lisa
Dear Lillian and Family,
So sorry for your loss (and ours). Doug was such a good friend from Junior College to the University, to K.M.McGhie's and especially in the later years with the Civil Tech program at the Community College. We miss him.
Love, Dolores & Jack Rother
As a boy I was never more excited when I learned that my Uncle Doug was coming for one of his visits. My fondest childhood memory is of laughing hysterically while he read to me his version of a bedtime story. My family and I have nothing but fond memories of our wonderful Uncle.
Our thoughts and deepest condolances to Aunt Lillian, Kay, Karen and Ann.
Daniel Betts and Family. (Kelly, Brandon, Jillian and Logan.)
I send my love, thoughts, and prayers to all of the Betts family for their loss. Doug was my mentor and friend, I held him in the highest esteem. He was an intelligent, loving, and kind man. I will always think of him and smile. God's good and faithful servant, I know I will see him again. God Bless!!
Our thoughts and prayers are with Lillian and family on the loss of Doug. Dave & Rose Gottschalk
The Betts were good friends when we lived in Rochester...our children grew up together..Lillian and I. Niemeyers. had fun and laughs hitting all the rummage sales!! We played a mean game of 500 with Doug and Lillian ..Doug and I always over bid and ended in the hole!! Guess we didn't know if you were 500 in the hole you lost!! Were so sorry we won't make it to the funeral but thanks to Annie for the call..our hearts are with you all and would've loved to see the family again. Blessings!
My sincere condolences to the family. It was a true honor to get to know him while caring for his grandsons so many years ago. Each time I saw him I was greeted with a hug, a smile, and treated like family. What an amazing man, with an amazing heart, and fabulous stories.
I have many good memories of times with my cousin Douglas. He was such a wonderful man. My sincere condolences to all of you from cousin Alice
Such a great man. Was a pleasure and honor to have worked with him and known him. God bless.