William Betzler

William Frank Betzler Sr, 94, of Buhl, MN went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 17, 2016 at Benedictine Health Center in Duluth.

Bill was born in Two Harbors MN on September 18, 1922 to Albert and Francis Betzler. He graduated from Greenway High School then attended one year at Itasca Junior College, before enlisting in the Navy. Bill proudly served as Quartermaster 1 ^st Class on USS Reno, CL 96 in the Pacific from 1941-1945.

Bill met and married Agnes Marie Skary (Wolf Point MT) in 1945 and completed his degree in mining engineering from University of California Berkeley. Bill and Aggie raised a wonderful family of six children, 3 boys and 3 girls. As a mining engineer, Bill worked for Jones & Laughlin Steel in a number of towns across the Iron Range.  Following J&L retirement as Assistant Manager, Minnesota Ore Division, Bill worked for State of MN Department of Revenue.

Bill, an Eagle Scout, devoted more than 60 years to scouting, ultimately honored with the Silver Beaver Award.  He was a man of deep faith and a faithful participant and server in Catholic masses in Buhl and Westwood/BHC.

In retirement Bill and his beloved wife Aggie devoted themselves to their children and grandchildren instilling in them a love of family and the outdoors, and service to others.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved Aggie and daughter Barbara Hellgren Raihala(Waukesha, WI), his parents, and his brothers Albert, Loyd and Carl.  Bill is survived by his sister Alberta, three sons; William Jr., Minneapolis, David (Barbara) Monument Colorado, Steven (Cindy) Knife River, and two daughters; Laurie (Jerry) Collier Golden Colorado, and Marilyn (Ron) Balchan Indio California, and nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

VISITATION :  Friday, November 25 at Benedictine Health Center Chapel beginning at 9:00 AM followed by Memorial Mass at 10:00 AM with refreshments to follow.  A grave side service will be held at 2:00 PM, at the Buhl Lakeview Cemetery, followed by 3:00 PM reception at Buhl Senior Center.  In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Voyageur Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, or Benedictine Health Center Foundation.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 218-727-3555