Richard "Dick" Lee Bethke

Richard "Dick" Lee Bethke, age 90, of Grand Haven, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025, in Holland at a local care facility. He was born on June 24, 1934, in Grand Haven, MI, to the late Harold and Francis (Alberda) Bethke.

Dick graduated from Grand Haven High School, Class of 1952. He then went on to proudly serve his country in the US Army from 1955 to 1957, during the Korean Conflict. Dick met and then married Annette Ruys on June 27, 1958, in Muskegon.

Dick was a lifelong resident of Grand Haven where he was a member of Second Reformed Church, serving as Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and Treasurer. He worked as a Tool & Die Maker for 40 years, working for Keller Tool, Gardner-Denver, and General Motors.

Dick loved to play golf, and loved all sports, especially baseball and tennis. In high school, he played basketball, football, and baseball. Dick especially enjoyed traveling and walking the Grand Haven Pier every day for many years with his wife.

Dick will be forever remembered and missed by his beloved wife of 66 years, Annette; daughter, Julie (Mike) Ferrell; son, Randy (Deanna) Bethke; seven grandchildren: Claire and Graham Ferrell, Tayler (McKenna), Travis (Jaylin), Tyliea, Traiden, and Trevyn Bethke; sister, Marjorie (Bill) Viveen; niece, Kathleen (Kurt) Edlund; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Bethke.

The Memorial Service for Dick will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Life Church Grand Haven. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 26th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland.
 

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