A memorial service for John E. Betcher was held Thursday January 2, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, rural Goodhue. The Rev. Marty Weigand officiated. Interment of the urn followed at the church cemetery. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church.
Mr. Betcher, 80, of Mazeppa, died Monday December 23, 2024 at his home while under hospice care.
John Edward Betcher was born April 6, 1944 in Zumbrota, the son of Lauren Edwin Betcher and Evelyn Johanna (neé Raasch) Betcher. John was a graduate of Zumbrota High School with the Class of 1961. He married Adeline Sommerfield on June 15, 1963.
He began his off-farm working career as a pea viner stacker at the age of 15, worked for Olsen's unloading feed in Zumbrota, and later working at the foundry in Lake City. He was always farming. While working out, he worked for Ken Sommerfield Construction, and he sold seed corn.
On February 1, 1975 he purchased the Schmit's Garage and it became Betcher Implement. With the expansion of his business he moved to the Chestnut Avenue location, with a new building and on June 1st a new partner and name, B&B Implement. He was in business for 33 years.
He is a lifelong member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he served as treasurer and trustee, and for many years he was on the cemetery board. Also, he is a past-president of the Mazeppa Lions, a member of the National North American Dealer Council, with which he won a trip to Washington, DC as recipient of the Dealers' President Award. He was Mayor of Mazeppa for six years, a member of the Mazeppa EDA, all while continuing his favorite pastime, farming.
John is survived by his wife of 61 years, Adeline Betcher; his son James Betcher; daughter Lori Betcher-Holland, son Josh (Sara) Betcher; 9 grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter; sisters Janette Ecklund, Shirley (Jack) Rosener, Sylvia Hoffman-Franke; brother-in-law Roderick (Gail) Sommerfield; as well as nieces and nephews. Also surviving is a dear friend and caretaker, Jakki Browneyes.
He was preceded in death by his parents Lauren and Evelyn Betcher; his wife's parents Emil and Lorraine Sommerfield; a son John A. Betcher; as well as brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Following the memorial service, friends were invited to join the family and relatives at the Mazeppa Community Center for food, fellowship, and further remembrance.
