Charles Christian Bettenhausen

Charles Christian Bettenhausen, 87, Wishek, ND died Friday August 12, 2011 at the Prince of Peace Care Center in Ellendale, ND.

Charles was born July 7, 1924, on the family homestead 11 miles SW of Wishek in McIntosh County. He was the son of Oliver and Emma (Kramer) Bettenhausen. The 5th of 17 children, he was raised on the family homestead and attended Rosenfield Country School through the 8th grade.

On December 16, 1945 he married the love of his life, Viola Wiest, at the Kessel Reformed Church in rural Venturia. The couple made their home in Danzig and Millarton before moving to the Bettenhausen family farm in rural Wishek in 1952. They lovingly raised 5 children together, and Charles supported his family by working as a farmer and mechanic. He enjoyed raising small grains, cattle and chickens. He and Viola used the time spent working the farm to teach their children to work hard, care for others and appreciate the bounty provided by God. In 1975, Charles retired from farming and turned the operation over to his eldest son, Roger. Since sitting idly was not in his nature, he began working for a water well drilling business. He worked with this business for 2 years before a drilling accident forced him to retire. Charles enjoyed fishing, weaving and playing golf. His greatest hobby was sampling his wife's cooking and baking, especially her homemade desserts. He loved his family and looked forward to the Bettenhausen family reunion held every 5 years at the Lehr Campground.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church and served as Sunday school teacher, superintendent, trustee, and deacon. He was active in the community, was a charter member of the Beaver Valley Golf Club, and I.O.O.F. Lodge member, Wishek Wildlife Club member, secretary of the Wishek Senior Citizens, and president of the McIntosh County Senior Citizens

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Viola, Wishek, ND; 5 children, Bernice (Glenn) Trautman, Fargo, ND; Roger Bettenhausen, Wishek, ND; Steve (Liza) Bettenhausen, Fingal, ND; LeRoy (Joanna) Bettenhausen, Williston, ND; Susan (Brian) Moen, St. George, UT; 12 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 4 step great grandchildren, 5 brothers and 7 sisters, Mabel (Edward) Larson, Orlando, FL; Lavera Ottmar, Rogers, IA; Blanche Wetzel, Bismarck, ND; Larry (Evelyn) Bettenhausen, Eden, KY; Warren (Anne) Bettenhausen, Fargo, ND; Gladys (Leon) Zimmerman, Napoleon, ND; Muriel (Marvin) Schilling, Bismarck, ND; Shirley (Marvin) Kaseman, Linton, ND; Oliver Bettenhausen, Wishek, ND; Neil (Nancy) Bettenhausen, San Diego, CA; Ella (Ken) Burr, Dothan, AL; and Richard (Maxine) Bettenhausen, Rapid City, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 granddaughter, ViKay Ann Kauk, 2 brothers, Howard and Edgar; and 2 sisters, Pearl Wahl and Corrine Albrecht.

The funeral service will be 10:30 A.M. Wednesday August 17, 2011 in the First Baptist Church at Wishek, ND, with Rev. Elton LaBree, officiating.

The interment will be made in the Beaver Creek Cemetery, SW of Wishek, ND.

Visitation - 10:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. Tuesday @ the funeral home

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial to the: McCoy Ministries - P.O. Box 987 - Jamestown, ND 58402