John S. Bettendorf
April 8, 1957 ~ October 15, 2013
John Steven Bettendorf, age 56 of Forest Lake, passed away October 15, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family. John is preceded in death by his mom, Ernestine Bettendorf. He will be deeply missed by beloved wife and soul mate, Michelle Metzler; father, Jack Bettendorf and special friend, Florence Reiswig; daughter, Jen (Whip) DeBilzan; sisters, Dianne (Mark) Carlson and Gail Bettendorf; half-brother, John David (Candace) Bettendorf; father and mother-in-law, Ken and Joan Metzler; sisters-in-law, Sue (Warren) Thompson and Sharon Pladsen (Tim Greeninger); nieces and nephews; and many special life-long friends. John can be remembered for his fun loving spirit, a well-known marine tech at Nelsons, and outrageously fun times at Big Pine Lake with his family and friends. Special thanks to St. Croix Hospice for the outstanding care provided. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 4-8 PM Monday, Oct. 21st at Roberts Family Funeral Home, 555 Centennial Dr. SW, Forest Lake. A Celebration of Johns life will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, Oct. 22nd at Faith Lutheran Church, 886 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake with a gathering beginning at 10 AM until time of service.
My sincere condolences to you and your family. Revelation 21:4 make this promise, it says: ” And he (God) will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will morning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” What a beautiful promise, we all look forward, from our loving Creator, (Jehovah God, Psalm 83:18). May the God of peace be with you and your family.
Sincerely Yours,
Brandy Molina
Growing up, situations arise when you need advice or knowledge where, if you went to your Dad, you would get in serious trouble. John was the go-to-guy in such situations. He taught me how to: use an acetylene torch; make everything more fun with gas, pump a keg less so the beer isn’t so foamy, and ride it like you stole it.
John was a great friend and will be forever missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
Dear Gail & Jack,
We are so sorry to hear of Johnny’s passing. We still have the family cabin at Pine Lake and have so many wonderful memories of growing up there. Swimming & playing King of your floating dock, the rope swing, playing cards-Kings Corners, & of course shenanigans! I go fishing with Dad & brother Rick when I’m in town. Stop by & say hi some time. Laurie lives in Marine & read the obituary in the paper. So sorry for your loss. May God bless you.
Dear Gail and Family,
I am glad you were able to spend time with your bother and share precious memories. God’s Blessings to you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Michelle, My thoughts and prayers go out to you with the loss of your beloved John. May the strength of family and friends walk with you during this difficult passage. God Bless, hugs.
I’ve been lucky enough to have known John since I was a “snot nosed little kid” as he put it. My first memory of John is riding in the back of his Glastron holding on for dear life to anything I could while I watched the rooster tail of his boat behind me, thinking I could fly out of the back of his boat at any second. I was probably around 5 then. Since then there are a lot of great memories of 4wheeling, BS’ing around the fire, and John’s advice about life. It wasn’t always good advice, but definitely entertaining. I might have met you as a ‘snot nosed kid’ but I’m glad to have known you as a true friend. I’ll miss you John.
Memories of John, there are many. From racing around on minibikes, to motorcycles, three wheelers, speedboats, waterskiing, tubing, rope swing, they really go on on. Can’t even imagine, how life at Pine Lake will be without him. Still remember that 1st summer, when he bought his own cabin, and stopped over, to say “hey I’m back on the lake”. It had been quite a few years since we’d seen John, but what treat to have him back. Many new memories began. John was a very special guy, always giving, and always happy. We will miss you. Love always
“John can be remembered for his fun loving spirit!”-very true. John was a great neighbor! He was always friendly and helpful. Last spring I was surprised on a couple of occasions to come home to a plowed driveway! I didn’t even know it was him until one day when I caught John in the act. He loved that four-wheeler! He said he was feeling better was ready and excited to propose to Shelly! He had a twinkle in his eyes. He loved bon fires, beer, and feeding the deer. What a great guy! He will be missed. Rest in peace.
Shelly,I wish I had known John as he must have been a special guy to “land” you. Please know you and John are in my thoughts and prayers.I am truly sad for you and your family.Ed Thompson–yes—Warren’s bro.
True friends are rare and must not be taken for granted. We will cherish our special memories with Johnny on the pontoon or around the camp fire. Johnny had no trouble expressing his love and thankfullness for his friends and family. We will miss those Johnny Hugs.
We are truly sadden by his passing. The lake will always share happy memories of John for us. He had such a wit and a love for life that he shared with everyone. He never hesitated to lend a hand. He made life interesting that for sure. Great guy! He has heaven smiling now.
Love you
John has been a great friend of our family for a long time. We will miss his genuine smile, the way he made you feel welcomed and the bear hugs he always gave. John and Shelly have been great friends to our son Andy and his girlfriend Kate to that I am thankful. I thank John for teaching me how to make a drink! What is it 1/2 booze and 1/2 mix….the lake will be different next year. We will miss you John. Thanks for showing us what a true friend is. Love you, Miss you.
Michelle, It was my absolute honor to be there for you and John and your family in those final days. We love you guys and continue to be here for you. Learning more about John’s life and the legacy he leaves behind is something I will take with me. We are only a phone call away and will be checking in with you! Love you!
John was a true friend to me, Sue and our children. He will be greatly missed and Pine Lake will be different without him. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor and at times could be considered a little out of control. When our kids were young we had to put John on what we called “The 10:00 Rule” that meant John could not swear until after 10:00pm when the kids were in bed. I don’t know if it was harder on the kids having to go to bed when John was still around because they never knew what they would miss or on John for having to try and maintain a certain level of control. He will forever be in our hearts and our memories.
Love Ron & Sue Redding