Walter F. Bethke

Walter F. Bethke November 8, 1926 - January 3, 2011 Walter F. Bethke of Lorena passed away Monday, January 3, 2011, at Hillcrest Hospital. Services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 7, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel with the Rev. James Price officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, January 6, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Walter was born November 8, 1926 in Riesel, Texas, to Edmund and Anna Bethke. He worked as a body technician at various places, such as Steakley Brothers, C.C. Jones, Duncan Buick, Duncan Truck and Mid-Tex Body Works. His pride and joy was his wife, children and grandchildren. He was an active member of St. Mark Lutheran Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Brandon Bury; brothers, Edmund, Alvin, and Herbert Bethke; and sisters, Erna Buro, Emma Quiram and Hilda Komar. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy J. Bethke; daughter, Linda Nelson and husband, Harvey, of Katy, TX; son, Jimmie Bethke and wife, Brenda, of Lorena; daughters, Betty Kyle of Waco and Anita Garrett and husband, Ricky, of West, TX; nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Lena Drews and Loverna Tucker, both of Marlin, TX. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mark Lutheran Church. The family would like to thank all the nurses and doctors at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center for the wonderful care they provided; and especially to Dr. Buck Cross for his continued care during the past years. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com.