Loyd T. Betzler

Loyd Theodore Betzler was born February 25, 1926 in Two Harbors, Minnesota. He attended Greenway High School in Coleraine, Minnesota then enlisted in the Marine Corps on March 15, 1943. He served as a rifleman/BAR with A Company 1/9, 3rd MARDIV in the Pacific Theater including the battle for Guam and then Iwo Jima, where he was severely wounded. Following his discharge from the Marine Corps on November 8, 1945, he enlisted in the Army in 1948, retiring in 1966 as a SFC/E7. Loyd then served as a postal carrier first in Las Vegas then in Colorado Springs, retiring in 1986.

Loyd married the love of his life, Friderike Henne Meta on May 22, 1978 in Colorado Springs. In retirement they enjoyed traveling and attending WWII reunions with his beloved Marine buddies, highlighted by the 3rd MARDIV reunion on Guam in 1994 celebrating the 50th anniversary of the island’s liberation. Loyd enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and rock hunting, as well as visiting extended family and friends in the US and Germany.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Francis (Slovak) Betzler, first wife Ericka (Bischof) Betzler, and brother Carl R Betzler.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 32 years, Friederike (Henne Meta) Betzler (Celle, Germany), daughter Dot and Ed Moore (Las Vegas), brother Bill Betzler (Duluth, MN) and sister Alberta Lah (Hibbing, MN), sisters-in-law Marlene Tomick (Las Vegas); step-son Herb (and Nancy) Wincentsen (Florissant, CO), step-daughter Irmgard (and Klaus) Peukert (Celle, Germany), grandsons Steve (and Chris) Moore and Bob (and Shawna) Moore and their 4 great grand sons (Las Vegas); and 3 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren in Germany.

The funeral service will be at 1 PM on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at Swan Law Chapel, with Ray Linebaugh (Chaplain, Marine Corps League – Canon City/Royal Gorge Detachment) officiating. Family will receive visitors immediately following the service. Cremation and funeral arrangements by Swan-Law Funeral Home, 501 N. Cascade, Colorado Springs, (719) 471-9900.

An honorable, proud and soft-spoken man, Loyd loved his wife and family, served his country well, and touched many lives with his quiet ways, easy laughter, and a sparkle in his eye. Rest in peace: Semper Fi.

Arrangements under the direction of Swan-Law Funeral Directors, Colorado Springs, Colorado.