Loretta Dell Bethke, age 86, of New Richmond, died peacefully Tuesday, April 2, 2013 surrounded by her family, at Westfields Hospital.
She was born the daughter of Owen and Della (Kohlrusch) Thomas on November 22, 1926, in Clear Lake, Wis. On September 23, 1948, she married Christian Bethke at the United Methodist Church in Deer Park, Wis. Loretta spent many years in Homemakers Club, Couples Club, and Bridge Club. She volunteered at the New Richmond hospital gift shop for 24 years. She loved gardening, especially her backyard flowers. Her life was centered around her family, and she was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother.
She will be missed by her husband, Christian; children, Gary (Penny) Bethke, Karen (Steven) Heinecke, Steve (Mary) Bethke, Gayle (LeeRoy) Martin, Diane Shilts, Kristin Samp; grandchildren, Justin (Jen) Bethke, Jessica (David) Roach, Jamie (Brody) Larson, Andrea and Jacob Heinecke, Dan, Julie and Kimberly Bethke, Lori (Mike) Hoogheem, Lindsey (Tyler) Stapel, Tucker and Gavin Samp; great-grandchildren, Olivia, Everett and Dylan.
Loretta was preceded in death by her parents; twin brother, Loren (Marilyn) Thomas; and infant grandson, Riley Samp.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 5, at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in New Richmond. Visitation will also be Friday from 9-11 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Deer Park.
Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services Beebe Chapel of New Richmond.
(New Richmond News)
