Val Jean Bethke

An only child, Val Jean was born on February 2, 1939 in Walburg, Texas to Edward Bethke and Hattie (Schatte) Bethke, who then moved to Austin. After a short few years working as a mechanic, her father led them to return to the family’s farm in Walburg, where her parents would remain for the rest of their lives, and where Val Jean would return and also reside the last 22 years of her life.

Baptized, confirmed and married at Zion Lutheran Church, Val Jean was an active member there, volunteering on many committees while her children attended Zion Lutheran School, as well as the annual Wurstbraten, while also serving as District President of LWML (Lutheran Women’s Missionary League) for a time.

After graduating from Georgetown High School in 1957 with a talent for numbers, Val Jean worked in Houston and Austin as an accounting assistant before returning to help out on the family farm.  She was married to Harold Mickan in November 1959, divorcing in 1999, and had four daughters during her marriage. After returning to school to re-enter the workforce, she worked as the office manager and accounting assistant for the Central Texas Treatment Center from 1993 to 2009.

An exceptional homemaker, cook and gardener, Val Jean managed the family dairies, the cattle farm, taught children about the dairy on their school field trips, continued service to her church and community and enjoyed hosting various parties for family and friends.  A voracious reader of fiction and history, she spent much time researching her family’s German and Wendish heritage.  Though owning a dairy did not leave time for travel, once retired, Val Jean did manage to see some of the things she dreamt about while still enjoying the (once-small) town of Georgetown.  Steadfast and loyal, she was in continuous contact with friends made throughout her life, including those made as a child at Zion.  Her love shone brightly for her daughters and selflessly gave them a rich life full of books and music, a love for the outdoors and respect for animals, and led them to emulate her strength and tenacity.  Vivacious and beautiful, Val Jean was a Texas woman through-and-through, whose quick wit and sharp tongue would always let you know her thoughts.

Val Jean is preceded in death by her daughter Dawn Jung, her grandson Adam Boley, and two sons-in-law Mark Jenkins and David McNickle. She is survived by her daughters Stephanie McNickle of Georgetown, Jennifer and Hunter Medney of North Carolina, Felicia and Donald Weaver of New Orleans, her grandchildren Matthew and Allyssa Boley, Hope Jung, Ross and Sara Jenkins, Max and Abby Jenkins, Regan Jenkins, and great-grandchildren Hattie Boley, Hadley Jenkins, Hudson Jenkins, Madison Jenkins and Tatum Jenkins.

Private services were held on Friday, March 5, 2021 in Georgetown, Texas.