Ronald Sherman Bettin passed away on Friday, June 19, 2020, at the Loring Hospital in Sac City. He was born on September 15, 1936, on the Home Place Northwest of Lake View, the youngest son of Frederick and Christina (Schwanz) Bettin. He attended Country School and then Lake View High School where he graduated with the class of ’56.
On May 23, 1958, he married Joyce Huff at Peace Lutheran Church in Wall Lake. They were blessed with two children: Ronald Franklin (Frank) and Janelle Aileen. Ron was a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Lake View where he was a past member of the Church Council. His last gift to the church was the new communion rails that he specially designed and built. He was also a past member of the Lake View Lions Club. Most of his life’s work was that of a Contractor/Carpenter where he was involved in the construction of homes as well as remodeling or smaller jobs. Ron was well known as one of those “handymen who could fix anything.” He loved working with stained glass, restoring, and repairing as well as creating new pieces. He was generous in sharing his creations with family and friends. He welcomed folks to come out to the shop and spend a day helping them to make something to take home.
Ron had many interests and he loved to collect clocks and watches, especially pocket watches. He collected antique gas engines and antique woodworking tools. In earlier years he participated in bowling leagues and was a lifelong fisherman. He had a great time restoring Franks Yamaha Motorcycle with a grandson. Ron was a very active volunteer in the community. For many years helped to set up and take down the floats for the annual Water Carnival Float Parade. He was part of the team that took down and rebuilt the old Log Cabin which remains an important part of the Historical Museum. Special events such as the Kids Day every August found him making and serving stew over the old fireplace while Joyce made Indian Fry Bread. Ron was also instrumental in setting up and
organizing the Sac County (LERT) Lutheran Early Response Team Trailer. He custom-built cabinets and partitions for storing all of the equipment used when the teams traveled to areas where they helped clean up major storm damage. He also was one of the teams that worked with the chainsaws.
Joyce and Ron did some traveling and especially enjoyed Door County in Wisconsin, Maine, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. But, the best vacations were with the kids and grandkids. Ron was a quiet man who loved his family. Some of the best times were when the boys came to visit and spent time with Grandpa making things in the shop. He kept a positive attitude through this battle with cancer ..and now His job is done.
Left to cherish his memory is Joyce, his wife of 62 years; Daughter Janelle (Wade) Reed of Redfield, Iowa; Grandchildren: Aaron Divis of Columbus, Neb., Drew (Alisha)Davis of Nevada, IA, Alex (Allyson) Davis of Urbandale, IA, and Nicholas(Jackie) Davis of Waterloo, IA; Great Grandchildren: Jordan Divis, Liam Davis, Milo Davis, and baby girl Olivia due in October; Brothers: Paul(Maxine)Bettin of Wall Lake, Roy Bettin of Foley, AL; Sister-in-Law Evelyn Bettin of Leon, IA and Brother-in-Law Denny(Edie) Huff of Monroe, WA; Many nieces and nephews and extended family members.
Ron is preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law Jack and Edna Huff, Son Ronald Franklin, Sisters: Dorothy (Marvin) Stehr and Donna Chastain, Brothers: Kenneth (Gloria) Bettin, Vern (Ardine) Bettin, Richard Bettin, and Leland Bettin.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, June 28, 2020 at Ferguson Cemetery in Lake View, IA with Reverend Donald E. Peterson III officiating. Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Lake View is in charge of arrangments.
