Harold E. Bethke, 97, of Platteville, formerly of Cassville and Briggsville, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, after a brief illness.

Harold was born on May 18, 1927, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, to William and Irma (Lemke) Bethke. He served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1948. On May 20, 1950, Harold married Gladys E. Major in Briggsville, where they resided until moving to Cassville, Wisconsin, in 1959.

Harold dedicated 38 years to Wisconsin Power and Light/Alliant, where he held the position of Plant Supervisor. He was an active member of the Platteville United Methodist Church, the American Legion Post #42 in Platteville and the Cassville Lion's Club.

Upon retiring, Harold and Gladys operated the historic Geiger House Bed & Breakfast along the Mississippi River. Together, they participated in numerous mission trips, traveling to Arizona, California, Canada, Costa Rica, and Mexico, and spent many winters in Arizona and California.

Harold was a dedicated Boy Scouts volunteer and an avid bowler and golfer. As a member of the Platteville Country Club, he played golf twice a week until the age of 95. He also loved painting and writing poetry. Known as a “jack of all trades,” Harold was often found fixing and tinkering with various projects.

Harold is survived by his two children, Scott (Dawn) Bethke and Jane (Paul Haverland) Russell; son-in-law, John Lau (Kathy Hochhausen); grandchildren, Andrea Russell, Joe (Stacie Sanborn) Russell, Mitchell (Darcy) Bethke, Nathan Bethke, Katie (James) Lau-Lolwing, Maggie (Dan) Kartman and Ashley (Doug) Fure; great-grandchildren; Conrad, Willard and Laura Bethke, Keira and Koy Kartman, Marian and Madeline Russell, Violet, Penny and Gus Fure; and loving companion Mary Carroll. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Gladys, daughter, Debbie Lau, son-in-law, Bill Russell, great-grandson, Ryker John Kartman, his parents, William and Irma Bethke, sister, Carol (Lyle) Herschleb and brother, Bill (Joyce) Bethke.

Memorial services will be held at 4:00 PM on Friday, July 26, 2024, at the Platteville United Methodist Church at 1065 Lancaster Street, Plattville. Visitation will take place from 2:00 PM until the time of the service. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory in Platteville is serving the family. Burial will be at Douglas Cemetery in Briggsville at a later date. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com or consider making a donation to your favorite charity in Harold's honor.

Harold Bethke

May 18, 1927 - July 16, 2024

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