Submitted by: Dan Rich

William Robert Bettcher

April 3, 1942 - June 23, 2002

South Bend Tribune 6/26/2002

William Robert Bettcher, 60 years old, of South Bend, died unexpectedly at 8:45 p.m. Sunday in Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend. He was born on April 3, 1942, in LaPorte, IN, to the late Robert and Gennevia (Mann) Bettcher, and grew up on a family farm in North Liberty, IN. Bill graduated in 1960 from North Liberty High School. He received a Bachelor's degree from Indiana University in 1968, and completed ROTC training at the University of Notre Dame. Bill was a proud and dedicated member of the U.S. Army, served in Washington, D.C., from 1969 to 1971, and finished his military career as a captain.

Bill married his beloved wife, Janet Mary Palicki, who survives, on July 25, 1970, at Christ the King Catholic Church in South Bend. He was the loving father of Christine Bettcher, Timothy Bettcher, Lori Bettcher and James "Jimmy" Bettcher, all of South Bend. Bill is also survived by a brother-in-law, James R. Palicki of South Bend; sister-in-law, Karen Bettcher of Lakeville; mother-in-law, Lillian S. Palicki of South Bend; uncle, Gerald (Mildred) Bettcher of Elkhart; aunt, Margaret Fair of Florida; and many cherished nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Dennis (2001) and Terry Bettcher (at birth).

Bill was employed as an accountant/controller of Remote Controls, Inc., in Mishawaka, IN, for the last 13 years. He was a devoted member of St. Anthony de Padua Parish in South Bend since 1979. Bill was Treasurer for the Natural Family Planning Program of St. Joseph County and served as an instructor for that organization with his wife for 27 years. He also led Father-Son programs at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center for 12 years, was a Z.B. Polish Falcons youth program volunteer, and a member of the Indiana University Alumni Association, American Legion Pulaski Post #357, and St. Joseph County 4-H Booster Club.

Dad will be remembered for his faithfulness to God and commitment to his family. He gifted us with his gentle loving manner, generosity, and constant encouragement. By his example, he inspired us to excel in academic and professional pursuits. He appreciated God's presence in creation, especially on walks with his family in the country, at Notre Dame, and on the shores of Lake Michigan. Dad also enjoyed fishing, woodworking, gardening, assisting his children with their 4-H projects, and snoozing in the La-Z-Boy after a hard day's work.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 27, in St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church, 2120 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. today in Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, where a parish Rosary will be said at 4 p.m., and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. in the church before services. The family requests prayer support and Mass offerings. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bettcher Family Education Memorial Fund at Teacher's Credit Union.