Don Leroy Betten

Don LeRoy Betten, son of Bernard Betten and Anita (Meyer) Betten, was born on December 29, 1955, in Deshler, Nebraska.  He departed this life on January 18, 2024 at the age of 68 years.  Don was one of four children.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Ruskin, Nebraska.  His confirmation verse was Joshua 1:9.

Don graduated from Ruskin High School in 1974.  After graduation, Don attended Southeast Community College in Milford and studied diesel mechanics.  After college, Don worked at Ruskin Service and for a local farmer until he started farming on his own.

Don was united in marriage to Jeannie White on November 17, 1979 in Davenport, Nebraska.  This union was blessed with four children. Later in life Don was united in marriage to Brenda Schnuelle on December 7, 2007, in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Don was a very positive, humble, kind, and caring person.  He went out of his way for anyone that needed help.  He had an impact on most people in the community.  Never had an enemy.  Don loved the farm.  It was his home away from home.  He worked very hard, he was very attentive to detail and wanted everything he had in tip-top shape.  He said his dad taught him, if you can’t do a good job right, don’t do it at all.  In the last several years Don was proud to have his son, Jerad, work by his side every day.

Don enjoyed playing slowpitch for Oak in the 80’s.   He also never missed the kids’ activities and sporting events.  He loved spending time with his family.  It was his everything.  Whether he was building campfires down by the river or grilling in his backyard BBQ pit, he always loved being outdoors.  One of Don’s favorite trips among many, was driving up to the mountains.  He loved Colorado.  Jeeping, bike riding, hiking trails, camping, skiing, four-wheelers and side-by-sides, motorcycles, fly fishing, hunting, and any adventure he could find, was with his wife, kids, grandkids, or friends.  These last couple summers Don took his kids and grandkids camping and was so proud to take them on his boat.

What mattered the most to Don was his faith and His Savior and gathering together with his church family every Sunday.  His prayer was that all of his children would grow in their faith and live that legacy of Him for themselves and their children.  He got to witness for himself the kids grown, successful, and having families and how they love Jesus with all their hearts too.  Now he can rest in peace knowing that his children will be taken care of and do well, as he watches over us all.

Don was preceded in death by his father Bernard Betten; brother Mark Betten; grandparents William and Lydia Betten, Henry and Fannie Meyer; and a host of other aunts, uncles and cousins.

Don is survived by his wife, Brenda, of Hebron; daughter Lindsey and husband Lonnie Biltoft of Deshler, NE, daughter Amanda and husband Nate Ficken of Seward, NE, daughter LeAnna and husband Brody Renz of Deshler, NE, son Jerad Betten and wife Emmie of Oak, NE, stepson Brandon Schnuelle of Las Vegas, NV, stepdaughter Bridget Schnuelle of Hebron, NE; Grandchildren Kayson, Ava and Cohen Biltoft, Pierce, Kostner, Navy and Maverick Ficken, Beckham, Creed and Sage Renz, and Jaxton Betten; mother Anita Betten of Hebron, NE; sister Bev and husband Steve Harms of Davenport, NE; brother Kent Betten and wife Rhonda of Lincoln, NE; and too many nieces, nephews and cousins to mention.

Funeral Services for Don will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Deshler, with Pastor Brian Francik officiating.  A private family interment will be held following the service.  A public viewing (family will not be present) will be on Wednesday, January 24, from 5:00 p.m.– 8:00 p.m. at the Price Funeral Home in Hebron. Price Funeral Home of Hebron is assisting the family with arrangements.  www.priceurbauerahrendts.com.