- Paul J. Bethke, Sherwood, age 76, passed away on Monday January 7, 2013 at Appleton Medical Center with his family by his side. He was born February 21, 1936 in Sherwood, son of the late Michael and Gertrude (Stuescher) Bethke. Paul was employed in the maintenance department at Thilmany Paper Co. for over 40 years until his retirement. He enjoyed his flower gardens, providing flowers for his church. Paul was a longstanding and active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sherwood. Paul was active in baseball and in 1953 was a member of the Kaukauna High School State Championship Team. He played ball until he was 57 and "swung his bat like Paul Bunyan swung an axe". Paul was an avid sports fan who enjoyed all sports, especially the Cubs. He also enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events.
He is survived by his wife Phyllis; his four children: James (Margaret), Paula Bartels, Lori (Paul) VanDaalwyk, and Lisa (Lee) Meyerhofer; six grandchildren: Travis Bartels, Crystal (special friend Ryan) VanDaalwyk, Tonya (Michael) Dix, Joseph (special friend Carrie) VanDaalwyk, Glen Meyerhofer, and Erika Meyerhofer; a great-grandchild, Caleb Dix; three step-children: Cindy (Randy) Roberts, Amy Widman, and Jeff (Rhonda) Lohff; six step-grandchildren: Vance Roberts, Amber Willis, Leslie Roberts, Rebecca Roberts, Brandon (special friend Deanna) Widman, and Jada Lohff.
He was preceded in death by his parents, the mother of his children, Rita R. Tennessen, two brothers: Anthony and Eugene, and a sister, Bernice Mills.
Mass of Christian Burial for Paul will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 11, 2013 at SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH, N369 Military Rd., Sherwood with Fr. Michael Betley officiating. Friends may call on Thursday, January 10, 2013 at BOETTCHER FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 2401 Fieldcrest Dr., Kaukauna from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Parish Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m. concluding the evening. Friends may call again directly at Church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in Paul's name for Sacred Heart School in Sherwood. www.boettcherfamilyfuneral.com
As Paul Bethke would say, "keep er smiling".
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of AMC 3rd Floor and ICU Unit as well as his attending physicians.
Published in Appleton Post-Crescent on January 9, 2013
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1936 - 2013 (76 years)
Education - High School
