Roger Theodore Bettmann

Roger Theodore Bettmann of Elkhorn, NE passed away peacefully on January 1, 2024 in Elkhorn, NE with family at his side. Roger was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota on October 11,1947 to parents Irene and Theodore (Ted) Bettmann. Roger was the 4th child of 9 children. Roger was a devoted Christian since childhood and always put Jesus first in his life. He lived a life of compassion, service, and gratitude. He was a shining light to all who knew him through his laughter, humor, love, and genuine care for others. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and true friend to so many. Roger grew up on the Bettmann dairy farm outside of Aberdeen. He milked cows with his dad and siblings for many years. He and his family were members of St. John’s Lutheran church. Roger graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 1965 and attended Northern State College in Aberdeen. He worked at the Sale Barn and Farmers Union in Aberdeen before beginning work at 3M. Roger married his first wife, Susan, in 1970. They had 3 children together: Brent, Becky, and Brad. Roger moved his family to Fremont in 1979 to work at 3M in Valley, NE. He retired in 2007 after 33 years. Roger was a production control analyst. He loved his job and made many life-long friends. From 1979 to 1996, Roger was a member of Fremont Alliance Church, where he was baptized. He taught Sunday school, was an AWANAS Leader, worked as an usher, and church treasurer. Roger married Marcia K. Highfill in May of 2002. They enjoyed a beautiful life together in Elkhorn for over 20 years. In retirement, they enjoyed traveling across the country to see family and friends, attending many weddings, birthdays, graduations, and family reunions. Roger and Marcia also experienced memorable trips together – Hawaii, Switzerland, Italy and more. They have many dear friends through Westside Church and AARP group. Roger sought out volunteer opportunities. It made his heart full to help others. He was a greeter and usher at Westside. He belonged to the Rotary Club of Elkhorn, and West Omaha Chamber of Commerce. He volunteered for Heartland Hope Mission in Omaha, Teammates Youth Mentoring Program, and COPE (Christian Outreach Program of Elkhorn). Roger went on two mission trips to Ecuador. Roger enjoyed volunteering at the Cox Classic golf tournaments. He loved baseball, working several seasons for the Omaha Storm Chasers on their ground’s crew. Roger had his own landscaping business serving neighbors and local businesses. He loved hunting and fishing, hiking, biking, running, and nature walks. Roger enjoyed sporting events of all kinds! He especially LOVED the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Green Bay Packers. Roger played slow pitch softball for close to 20 years on various teams. Most of all, Roger cherished time “just being with” family and friends. His grandchildren were “the jewels on his crown.” He will be missed by so many, our love for him will live on in our hearts forever. Roger is survived by his beloved wife Marcia Bettmann of Elkhorn; his children: Brent (Amy) Bettmann, of Littleton, CO, Becky (Denver) Swanson, of Arvada, CO, and Brad (Sarah) Bettmann, of Olathe, KS; step-children: Robin (Brian) Nelson of Woodcliff, NE, Mindy (Eric) Looney, of Novi, MI, and Brian (Chanda) Highfill of Gretna, NE; grandchildren: Hannah, Riley, Saylor, Brady, Maddie and Zetta; step-grandchildren: Trevor, Nathan, Takahiro, Nikko, Jaxon and Skylar; siblings: Gary Bettmann, of Fargo, ND, Kevin (Janae) Bettmann, of Blaine, MN, David (Robin) Bettmann, of Cedar Rapids IA, Marge (Steve) Streitz, of Burleson, TX, and Mary (Keith) Arnholdt, of Columbus, IN; brothers-in-law: Larry Baack of Columbus, IN, and Rod Weier of Watertown, SD, and many much-loved nieces and nephews. Roger was preceded in death by his parents; Irene and Ted Bettmann; and sisters: Marla Jean Bettmann, Marilyn Baack and Myra Weier. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Westside Church, or the charity of your choice, may be donated in Roger’s memory.

Roger Theodore Bettmann

October 11, 1947 - January 1, 2024