Loretta Bethke 04/02/2013

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, WI.  On September 23, 1948, she married Christian Bethke at the United Methodist Church in Deer Park, WI.  Loretta spent many years in Homemakers Club, Ladies Aid, 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 was held Friday, April 5, 2013 at 11:00 am at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in New Richmond.  Visitation was also Friday from 9:00-11:00 am at the church.  Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Deer Park.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services Beebe Chapel of New Richmond.