Bernard Oscar Betten, 97, of Hebron, Neb., the son of William and Lydia (Guelker) Betten was born Nov. 12, 1923, in Martell, Neb. He died Saturday, at Blue Valley Lutheran Home in Hebron.

Bernard grew up in Ruskin, attending school and graduating from Ruskin High School with the Class of 1941.

He was united in marriage to Anita Meyer, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Ruskin, on Oct.10, 1948. This union was blessed with the birth of four children.

Bernard farmed and enjoyed raising cattle. While farming he also worked 18 years at the Ruskin Elevator. In 2004 Bernard and Anita moved to Hebron. Although semi-retired, he went to work at Metal Quest, enjoying this time with family members and fellow workers.

Bernard was a 91-year member of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Ruskin.

He served as Sunday school superintendent for more than 30 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Leonard; and son, Mark Betten.

He is survived by his wife, Anita of 73 years,Hebron; sons, Don Betten, Hebron and Kent Betten, Lincoln, Neb., and daughter, Mrs. Steve Harms (Beverly), Davenport, Neb .; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A private funeral was held Wednesday, at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Ruskin