GLADYS BETHKE

GLADYS BETHKE

July 31, 1927 - March 31, 2015

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Obituary

Gladys E. Bethke, 87, of Platteville, formerly of Cassville and Briggsville, Wisconsin, died on Tuesday, March 31, 2015, at her home. Memorial services will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4, 2015 at the Platteville United Methodist Church. Rev. Brenda Whitford will officiate. Friends may call from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service on Saturday, at the church. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, is serving the family. Memorials may be made to Methodist Missions. Online condolences may be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Gladys was born on July 31, 1927 in Great Falls, Montana, the daughter of Willis and Nellie (Mitchell) Major. She was united in marriage to Harold Bethke on May 20, 1950 in Briggsville, WI, where they made their home there until moving to Cassville in 1959. Gladys graduated as valedictorian from Endeavor High School in 1945. She loved her church and she and Harold went on many mission trips through the years, traveling to Arizona, California, Costa Rica, Canada and Mexico. They spent many winters in California and Arizona. Gladys was also a Cub Scout leader, Girl Scout leader, and church camp leader. She enjoyed bowling, her card group, and spending time helping people, especially working with children; she had a great impact on many lives. Gladys and Harold ran the Geiger House Bed and Breakfast for five years and Gladys worked as a secretary at the Cassville Elementary School.
She is survived by her husband, Harold; children, Scott (Dawn) Bethke; Jane Russell; son-in-law, John Lau; seven grandchildren, Andrea (Shawn) Russell; Mitchell (Darcy) Bethke; Nathan Bethke; Joe (Nikki) Russell; Katie Lau; Ashley (Doug) Fure; Maggie (Dan) Kartman; seven great-grandchildren, Conrad, Laura, and Willard Bethke; Koy and Keira Kartman; Marian Russell; and Violet Fure; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Debra Lau; son-in-law, William Russell; great-grandson, Ryker John Kartman; siblings; Ray Major, Eileen Ekberg, Betty Hall, Robert Major, and Margaret “Peggy” Hall.

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GLADYS
HJ
Helen (Ekberg) & Ray Jones
Other •
Aunt Gladys has always been close to me and our family. We have always had wonderful visits & many fun times and memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with Uncle Harold & family. Love you so very much!
RJ
Ricki Jackson(Major),niece
Other •
So sorry to hear this news. Now all the brothers & sisters are together again. I love all of you.
RF
Rubio Family
Other •
I would like to express my condolences to your family, it can be hard for friends and family to find the right words to express at difficult times like these. The Bible is a great source to look into and has helped me personally when My dad passed away. Jesus Christ promised that millions now dead will live again on this earth and have the prospect of remaining on it forever in a peaceful beautiful paradise earth. (Isaiah 35:5,6) A comforting thought is at Revelation 21:3,4, where it states "...And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry be anymore the former things have past away". This scripture gives us hope for the future! You can also find comfort in Acts 24:15 - Death does not end it all. May Jehovah God bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time. (Ps.46:1, Ps.83:18)
SB
Susan K. Bernhardt
Other •
Harold, My sympathies to you, Jane and Scott. I spent a lot of time at your house as a kid and enjoyed being there. Gladys was so kind and very influential, I recall her helping with the Girl Scouts and also when she worked for dad at the Gambles store. Amy was very sad to her of her passing, she loved her very much.

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