Bret Clyde Bettge

This February, 2023, Bret Clyde Bettge of Williamsburg, Virginia, gained glory and his heavenly reward. While those of us who remain feel keenly the loss of this incredible man who was rich in his relationships, good-spirited, kind-hearted, incredibly generous towards all, and a wealth of knowledge; we are grateful for the abundance of beautiful memories, laughter and wisdom he has left for us to cherish.

Bret was born in November 1956, the second son to Donald Arthur Bettge and Mary Clyde Wilson Bettge in Indianapolis, Indiana. Bret spent most of his childhood in Lorton, Virginia, where at the tender age of six years old, he began to run his own newspaper route in the mornings before school.

After graduating from West Springfield High School in Virginia (Class of 1974), where he played Varsity Football, Bret went on to attend The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.

While Bret laughingly used to tell his nieces and nephews that he majored in Football and Fraternity, he actually earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics at William and Mary, graduating in 1981. During his years at William and Mary, Bret played rugby as well as football (center) for The Tribe. He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

Post-college, Bret met Jana Lynn Freeman while they both worked at The Hilton. The two married September 24th, 1983 and remained in the Williamsburg area.

Bret’s career as a Superintendent and Project Manager at David Nice Builders, The Breeden Company and Willow Creek Construction led to many years of extensive travel throughout the entire United States.

Travel did not end there for Bret — his passion and pleasure was globetrotting, and throughout the course of his considerable travels, he managed to visit some of the most far-flung locations on the planet, including Qatar and Easter Island. When Bret was not adventuring — and even while he was! — he enjoyed reading novels, and dearly loved spending time with his family and many friends. Tribe Football games were a must, as well as golfing and tail-gating with lifelong friends and teammates.

Bret (also lovingly known as “Fweetie”, “Uncle Bear”, “UB”, BB” and “B”) was preceded in death by his father, Donald Arthur Bettge, and his mother, Mary Clyde Wilson Bettge.

Bret is survived by his wife, Jana Lynn Freeman-Bettge, as well as his siblings: Arthur Donald Bettge, Melissa Joan Hevrdeys, Paul William Bettge and Janelle Bettge White. Bret leaves behind several adoring nieces and nephews: Kati White Tatter, Marnie Hevrdeys Hicks, Joshua White, Kit Hevrdeys, Jesse White, Emily Hevrdeys Warren, Thomas Bettge, Paige Bettge and Connor Bettge.

Additionally, Bret made sure to play an active role in the lives of his great-nephews and great-nieces, whom he cared for tremendously: Caeden and Boyd; Will and Lily; Kensington, Lochlyn, Quinn and Peyton; James and Caroline; Eliana, Micah, Leona and Victoria Jane.

A Celebration, honoring Bret’s tremendous life, will be held in March 2023. Details will be made available as soon as possible — M-OW!