Walter E Betz

Walter Eugene Betz, age 84 of Eustis, passed away Thursday, October 31, 2013 at the Nebraska Veterans Home in Grand Island. Walter was born on January 16, 1929 at Farnam, Nebraska to Gottlob and Elsie (Dietrich) Betz. He attended grade school at Farnam, north of Moorefield and south of Eustis. He earned his GED later in life. Walter went to work right out of grade school. He helped with the family farm and picked corn by hand for several farmers in the Eustis area. Walter worked for Janus Trucking, Hi Line Motors and built bridges for the Frontier Co. Road Department. He served as an officer for the Village of Eustis and was County Commissioner from 1981 to 1993, until his health forced him to retire. In 1950, Walter entered the U.S. Army, hauling ammunition to the front line during the Korean War. Walter married Sylvia Hablitzel on August 14, 1954. The couple made their home in Eustis until 1980 at which time they moved into a house north of Eustis, which they built together. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Annette and Joyce. Walter and Sylvia owned the Tiger Inn, operated Eustis Coop Creamery and Feed Store, sold Dekalb Seed and were Amway distributors. Walter is a past member the Lions Club, Eustis Chamber of Commerce, Eustis Legion and life time member of the VFW. Walter enjoyed building things for his family, especially his grandchildren. He was an avid reader and enjoyed westerns and history. Walter was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and was member of St. Johns Lutheran in Eustis. Walter was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Leonard Snow. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Sylvia; daughters Annette (George) Wolfe of Eustis and Joyce (Meddie) Cote of Cozad; brother, William (Bonnie) Betz of Gothenburg; and 7 grandchildren, Jenifer (Dan) Klingelhoefer, Danyel (Kevin) Olmer, Nicholas (Christen) Wolfe, Adam Cote (Kassie), Jared (Cassie) Cote, Steven (Elizabeth) Cote and Mariah Cote; 11 great grandchildren, Zachary, Brandon, Tayber, Connor, Samuel, Charlie, Eddie, Jed, Raileigh, Otto and Frank; and many other relatives and friends. Memorials have been established in his memory with Eustis Ag Society Building Fund or Donor’s Choice. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Services will be held Monday, November 4, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Eustis with Pastor Harold Laursen officiating. Burial with military honors will be at East Cemetery north of Eustis. Visitation will be held Sunday, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Eustis. Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad is in charge of arrangements.