James Russell Betke, Sr.

Mr. James R. Betke, Sr. passed away Friday, May 10, 2013 in Kalamazoo. James was born June 21, 1944 in Kalamazoo, the son of James P. and Joann M. (Reattoire) Betke. He was preceded in death by his sister Joyce Niewiadomski. He is survived by his wife of almost 35 years, Juliet A. (Fontaine) Betke, whom he married June 10, 1978; children James, Todd, and Chris Betke, and Tom Roe; brother Steven Betke and sisters Margret Purk and Diane Ross; 7 grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter, and serveral nieces and nephews. Per his wishes, cremation has taken place. A gathering of family and friends will take place Tuesday, May 21, 2013 in the Bennett Building at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 936 Lake St., Kalamazoo at 6PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Redmond Funeral Home to be forwarded to the family.