Bryan Betz

Bryan Betz, age 78, of Grand Rapids passed away on Thursday, April 28, 2016 after a long illness.  Born on September 6, 1937 in Grand Rapids he was the son of Albert and Evelyn Betz who preceded him in death. Bryan graduated from OttawaHills High School (Class of 1955), Grand Rapids Junior College, University of Michigan and he received his Master of Education Degree from Rochester University. A “Renaissance Man “  he was a Mechanical and Aero-Space Engineer, he excelled in photography, he taught middle school math and science in Rochester, NY,  he was a health insurance salesman and sold women’s apparel.  Bryan was an avid reader who would read several books a week, and he also built his own car.  A long time member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church he was a choir member for many years, played the trombone and led the youth groups. Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Anne Marie Starr Betz; three children,  Karen (Elwyn) Betz-Griewahn, Susan Betz and David Betz; 7 grandchildren, Jenna, Jeffrey, Anna, Elena, Brooke, Lidet and Marie; two sisters-in-law, Carol ( Harris) Huyser, and Robin Briggs, and brother-in-law, Jack Kilborne. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Albert, and sister, Joan Kilborne. The family will receive friends from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 1st at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 5125 Cascade Rd. SE, with his pastor, Rev. Robert Appold officiating. Interment Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. The family is so grateful to the care given to him by Grace Hospice and especially his special friend/nurse Holly. For those who wish memorials may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church.

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