William John Bethke

William John Bethke, age 86, of Yellville, Arkansas, passed away October 17, 2024. He was born on May 25, 1938, in Stewart, Minnesota the son of William F. Bethke and Sophie Bormann. Mr. Bethke died Thursday, October 17,2024, at the Washington Regional Medical Center, Fayetteville Arkansas. 

William, commonly referred to as ‘Bill’ or ‘Billy’ was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Stewart, MN. Bill graduated from Stewart High school in 1956, upon graduation he joined the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged July 15,1960. After military service he went to work for the Federal Aviation Administration as an electronic technician and supervisor for 17 years taking a medical retirement in 1977. 

Bill married Barbara Jean Christensen on September 22, 1957, and together they shared 67 years of raising their family. Being raised on a farm Bill always enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, nature and the country life. He was a hard worker, very entrepreneurial in nature using his talents and quest for knowledge in so many areas throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Jean Bethke and their children, Dorothy Lynn (James) Harp of Yellville, AR, Doreen Kay (Patrick) Baros of Bismark, ND, Derrick Grant (Att) Bethke of Florence, AZ and Dwayne Hans Bethke of Anoka, MN; grandchildren, Nicholas Ray (Lynda) Harp, Melissa Jean (Sergio) Harp, Alan William (Lisa) Harp, Benjamin Baros and Joshua (Samantha) Baros; great-grandchildren, Haley RaeAnn Harp, Cora Ann Harp, Guy Lucian Garcia, Braiden Aaron Baros, Olivia Jean Baros Isaiah Andrew Baros, Eli Kassidy Baros and Malachi James Baros; his step-great-granddaughters, Kaitlin Everitt and Dehlia Harp and his siblings, Elaine, Elsie, Wilbert, Delbert, Larry and Delvin.

Preceding him in death were an infant daughter, Donna Alison Bethke in 1960, his parents, and siblings, Sophie, Lovie, Vernhold, Eleen, Geraldine, Darvin.

Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services - Bull Shoals, Arkansas. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.