JR Betz

JR Betz

JR Betz, 87, of Atlantic, passed away Tuesday, April 12, 2016, at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha.

James Robert Betz was born on April 30, 1928, in Shenandoah, Iowa, the only child born to Harvey Harold and Helen Beatrice (Pearsall) Betz. He was an outstanding athlete in football and track, even holding records. JR graduated from Shenandoah High School in 1947.

On December 14, 1947, JR married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie, and they resided in Shenandoah where they operated JR's Donut Shop. The couple moved to Newton, Iowa, where JR was meat market manager at Safeway. In 1962, JR took the same position in Atlantic, Iowa.

After retirement he enjoyed motorcycle trips with family and friends, especially with his friend Bob Abild. He was a member of the Gold Wing Club and Christian Motorcycle Association. Along with leisure, JR kept himself busy working part-time for Henningsen's, Abild's, and Deter's. JR was a member of 1st Assembly and served as a Deacon for over 35 years. When he decided to retire from the Deacon Board, they made him an honorary member, inviting his wisdom and experience. Every morning JR gathered with friends at the Family Table Coffee Club. He saw the importance of donating blood and gave at every opportunity; which ultimately totaled 28 gallons. He will be remembered by his family for what a godly man he was--their hero, and for the legacy he left his grandkids.

JR is survived by his sons, Dennis (Linda) Betz of Lee's Summit, Missouri, and Randy (Chris) Betz of Columbus, Nebraska; grandchildren and great-children, Dustin (Zonna) Betz and their children, Aliyah, Mason and Sawyer, Daniel (Jenny) Betz and their daughter, Gwendolyn, Darren (Cortney) Betz and their sons, Thomas and Robert, Brent (fiancé, Ashley Hunt) Betz and their children, Olivia and Luke, and Jessica Betz and her children, Arianna, Amyah, Alonah.

JR is preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Helen Betz; and his wife, Bonnie.

Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, April 16, 2016, at 1st Assembly in Atlantic with Pastor Guy Fisher officiating. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the service from 2:00 to 3:00p.m. at the church. Burial in the Atlantic Cemetery will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to 1st Assembly Youth Ministry.

Roland Funeral Home is caring for JR's family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

IN REMEMBRANCE OF
JR Betz

BORN
April 30, 1928
Shenandoah, Iowa

ENTERED INTO REST
April 12, 2016
Omaha, Nebraska
At the age of
87 years, 11 months, 13 days

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
3:00 p.m., Saturday, April 16, 2016
1st Assembly
Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIATING
Pastor Guy Fisher

HOST AND HOSTESS
Bob & Mary Abild

PIANIST
Sherry Davis

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
Led by Vickie Fisher
“Amazing Grace”
“The Old Rugged Cross”
“It Is Well With My Soul”

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Family Table Coffee Club
Dustin Betz
Daniel Betz
Darren Betz
Brent Betz

INTERMENT
At a later date
Atlantic Cemetery
Atlantic, Iowa

Memorials may be made to the 1st Assembly Youth Ministry.

JR’s family invites you to join them for lunch
in the fellowship hall immediately following the service.

Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord for we walk by faith, not by sight we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.
II Corinthians 5:6-8