The Superior Express -

Bernard Oscar Betten, 97, of Hebron, the son of William and Lydia (Guelker) Betten was born Nov. 12, 1923, in Martell, Neb. He died Saturday, Nov. 28, at Blue Valley Lutheran Home in Hebron.

He was baptized in Martell and confirmed at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Ruskin. His confirmation verse Rev. 2:10 Be thou faithful unto death and I will give you a crown of life.

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

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

Bernard farmed and enjoyed raising cattle. 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.

He wanted to start each day with a purpose. Gardening was a passion of his, sharing produce with the family and lucky neighbors. Making things out of wood was a favorite past time. He also enjoyed showing visitors his toy tractor collection.

Bernard was a 91-year member of St Mark Lutheran Church in Ruskin. He was willing to help at church wherever needed. He served as Sunday school Superintendent for more than 30 years.

Family was everything to Bernard, time together and especially with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Leonard; brother-in-law, Roger Meyer; son, Mark Betten; and several brothers and sisters-in-law on Anita’s side.

He is survived by his wife, Anita, of 73 years of Hebron; sons, Don Betten and wife, Brenda, of Hebron, and Kent Betten and wife, Rhonda, of Lincoln, Neb .; daughter, Beverly Harms and husband, Steve, of Davenport; daughter-in-law, Cathy Betten, of Deshler; sister, Dorothy Meyer of Phoenix, Ariz .; sister-in-law, Florene Betten of Denver, Colo .; grandchildren, Scott Harms and wife, Lara, of Hebron, Jamie Calkins and husband, Shaun, of Deshler, Kalen Betten and wife, Kari, of Chester, Kylie Betten of Wymore, Lindsey Biltoft and husband, Lonnie, of Deshler, Amanda Ficken and husband, Nate, of Seward, LeAnna Renz and husband, Brody, of Deshler, Jerad Betten of Davenport, Brandon Schnuelle of Las Vegas, Nev., Bridget Schnuelle of Hebron, Jessica Brown and husband, Brett, of Blair, Brady Betten and wife, Alison, of Omaha; great-grandchildren, Broderick, Ashley, and Brennan Harms, Mackinzi, Jadelyn, and Hayden Calkins, Kora and Koen Betten, Kayson, Ava, and Cohen Biltoft, Pierce, Kosner, and Navy Ficken, Beckham and Creed Renz, Quinn, Jonas, and Drake Brown, Madilyn, and Josie Betten; sisters-in-law, Donna Meyer and JoAnne Meyer, nieces, nephews and friends.

His funeral was at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 2, at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Ruskin. Officiant was Pastor Jose Flores, organist Kathy Kniep, congregational hymns “Peace Is Flowing Like A River” and “Amazing Grace,” recorded selection “I Can Only Imagine,” casket bearers; Scott Harms, Kalen Betten, Brady Betten, Jerad Betten, Broderick Harms and Brennan Harms, honorary casket bearers; Jamie Calkins, Lindsey Biltoft, Jessica Brown, Amanda Ficken, LeAnna Renz and Kylie Betten.

Visitation was 2 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Kroll Funeral Home in Hebron. Burial was in the church cemetery. Condolences may be left at http://www.krollfh.com. Cards may be mailed to Anita Betten Courtyard Terrace Hebron, NE 68370.

Kroll Funeral Home of Hebron was in charge of arrangements. Memorials designated to St. Mark Lutheran Church in Ruskin, Neb. and LCMS Mission Central ATTN: Gary W Thies – Brent D Smith, 40718 Hwy E. #16, Mapleton, Iowa 51034-7105