John Betz, Jr.

He was born on October 10, 1931 in Port Washington, Wisconsin, the son of John and Agatha (Geyer) Betz.

On April 21, 1956, he married his favorite girl, Carol Martha Johnson also from Port Washington, Wisconsin. They were completely devoted to each other for 68 years.

John had a 21-year military career, where he reached the rank of Sr. Master Sergeant with the United States Air Force. He was Chief mechanic on the Blackbird SR-71, and one of his favorite things to do was to tell stories of his experience and knowledge. With his family, they traveled to many countries and lived various places during his service.

John was a jack-of-all-trades. After he retired, he and his family moved to Harlingen, Texas; where he started his own business helping people with home improvements and repairs. One customer that he was most proud of was the rock and roll singer, Bill Haley.

Johns many hobbies were making wooden bird houses; hiking in the mountains during family vacations, road trips, dancing, puzzles and being the family “Mr. Fix-it.”

John was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Elain Schinker.

John is survived by his loving wife, Carol Martha; daughters, Dawn Graves (John), Barbara Collins (James), Susie Zitterich (Michael); grandchildren, Brandi Spear (Brendon), Philip Graves (Jennifer), John Collins (Maggy), David Collins (Tracy) and Ashley Dawson (Jacob); great-grandchildren, Braxton, Keira, Evin, Bryce, Vincent, Vivian, Averi, Kayla, Ryder and Everley; as well as many nephews and nieces.