Christian Bethke 01/25/2014

Christian A. “Chris” Bethke, age 93, of New Richmond died Saturday, January 25, 2014 at Westfields Hospital.  He was born the son of Albert and Frieda (Wise) Bethke on July 16, 1920 in Hammond, WI.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Deer Park, WI and attended school in Deer Park.  On September 23, 1948, he was married to Loretta Thomas at the Deer Park Methodist Church.  This union was blessed with six children, Gary, Karen, Steven, Gayle, Diane and Kristin.  The family moved to a farm near New Richmond and joined St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. Christian served on the church board at different times, was chairman of the Town of Stanton for 17 years, served on the St. Croix County Board for 11 years and was an elder at St. Luke’s.  He was a farmer all his life and enjoyed it.  Christian is preceded in death by his wife, Loretta; infant grandson, Riley Samp; 2 brothers and 2 sisters.  He is survived by his children: Gary (Penny) Bethke, Karen (Steven) Heinecke, Steven (Mary) Bethke, Gayle (LeeRoy) Martin, Diane Shilts, Kristin (fiancé Mike Barstad) Samp; grandchildren: Justin (Jen) Bethke, Jessica (David) Roach, Jamie (Brody) Larson, Andrea Heinecke, Jake Heinecke, Dan Bethke, Julie (Dave) Fretz, Kim Bethke, Lori (Mike) Hoogheem, Lindsey (Tyler) Stapel, Tucker Samp, Gavin Samp; great-grandchildren: Dylan, Olivia, Everett, Landry, Oliver, and William.  A funeral service was held Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at 11:00 am at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in New Richmond.  Visitation was also Tuesday from 9:00-11:00 am at the church.  Interment will be in the spring at Calvary Cemetery in Deer Park.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services Beebe Chapel.