Michael D. Betcher
Age 75, passed away December 9, 2020. He was born February 5, 1945, in Mason, MI, to Donald Jowett and Rhea Betcher.
Michael proudly served for 25 years with the Lansing Fire Department, retiring as Battalion Chief. He loved his job and the comradery of his fellow firefighters. He adored his loving wife and he thoroughly loved taking care of his family. He was an avid reader of mysteries, enjoyed playing guitar, fishing, golf, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was also a veteran of the Viet Nam War.
He will be deeply missed by his wife of 53 years, Penny (Mathauser) Betcher; children, Elizabeth (Steven) Connick-Haggerty and Aaron (Courtney) Betcher; grandchildren, Eleanor and Maxwell Connick, and Neko Betcher; sister, Barbara Haustorfer; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Kenneth Betcher.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association – Capital Area Regional Office, Okemos. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. A Live stream of the service can be viewed here: Live Stream
17 Messages to “Michael D. Betcher”
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susan & roger rhoses
December 11, 2020 at 2:51 pmWe wish you healing and peace. We are thinking of you during this difficult time. Please find comfort in the love you and your family shared for Michael. You were his “rock”. There for him every step of the way.
Ed and Vicki Burke
December 11, 2020 at 3:21 pmMike was an exceptional man who served his country and the citizens of Lansing with courage. We were blessed to know him. Most importantly, he was a loving husband and father. Our love and prayers are with you Penny and your family.
Lynn and M.J. Laufenberg
December 11, 2020 at 5:08 pmOur very deepest sympathy, Penny, to you and your family. Please know that all of you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Michael Connick
December 11, 2020 at 5:50 pmTruly a great man that I was lucky enough to have as a father-in-law for many years. I have fond memories of seeing him with Eleanor and Maxwell, as well as him helping me to build their play structure. Much love to Penny, Beth (as Mike would call her) and his entire family.
Courtney Hendricks
December 11, 2020 at 7:38 pmWe are heartbroken. No words can express how sad we are to lose Aaron’s father and Neko’s grandpa. I am lucky to have had him as my father-in-law for so many years. We loved having Grandpa Mike come visit us. He was kind, gentle and extremely affectionate with all of his grandchildren. Michael was also loyal and loving husband. We were all lucky to have had him in our lives. Penny, we are thinking of you each day.
Pam Sippel
December 18, 2020 at 9:54 pmYour description sounds so much like the way we would describe Aaron. Hugs to all of you. So very difficult.
Ronnie and Terri Bigleman
December 11, 2020 at 10:22 pmPenny our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Just know that Ronnie and I have many fond memories over the past 50 plus years of the good times we had; starting with the Body shop in Hollywood, many Vegas trips and anniversary parties, Arizona get togethers, RV trips, Sodona weekend and our last visit with you two last Fathers Day. Always will remember how kind and gentle Michael was. Love to you and your family.
Mike and Diana Joy
December 11, 2020 at 11:00 pmPenny and family, our hearts just sunk to the bottom of our toes to hear Mike has entered our heavenly gates. We know you have great memories and stories to warm your heart!
We know how lucky we were to have time with you and Mike.
Diane Banks
December 12, 2020 at 10:43 amSo many words come to mind when I think of Michael. Kind. Strong. Patient. Devoted. Compassionate. My life is richer for having known him. I am a better person for having known him. My heart hurts today to hear if his passing, but I am relieved he is no longer trapped in a state of confusion and powerlessness. I am praying for your strength and comfort Penny, and for Aaron and Beth.
Suzanne and Jim Kleiner
December 12, 2020 at 11:33 amDear Mike was kind, dedicated, loved and a gentle sweet soul. Your love and devotion Penny set an example. Our hearts are heavy for you and your family. May you feel the love and sympathy surrounding you. Love Suzanne and Jim
Alan and Kathy Beach
December 12, 2020 at 1:37 pmPenny and family, we are truly sorry for your loss. Mike was a true gentleman who was devoted to his family and he will be missed by all who had the good fortune to have known him.
Nancy and Bill Harrington
December 12, 2020 at 5:18 pmPenny — our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Mike was a fine man and we were very fortunate to have both of you as our next door neighbors here in Surprise for 19 years.
Portia VanPelt
December 15, 2020 at 5:44 pmMike was truly a wonderful human. I felt lucky to eat many of his delicious meals with him as a teenager. He loved his family so very much. You felt his warmth and kind heart with every interaction. My heart sends you all love and peace.
Halina & Terry Wells
December 23, 2020 at 10:10 pmPenny and family, we are sorry for your loss.
We are blessed to have known Mike, he will be sadly missed.
Penny you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Barbara & David Baule
June 14, 2021 at 7:44 amOur prayers and deepest sympathy are with you and your family. Michael was a kind giving man and we were blessed to know him.
Barbara & David Baule
Melody Curtis
June 19, 2021 at 12:03 pmThank you for live streaming Mike’s ceremony. Not being able to travel presently, made being able to attend per remote wonderful. What an honor for Mike and all of your family, I felt like I was there. I very much enjoyed the comments, which, reinforced my feelings of Mike also. We heard “kind” over and over, and was he ever! He was a great kid, and man. I will never forget our memories of when our children were small and the times we were able to be together. Growing up with him was special! You all have our sympathy and love!
Larry Snyder
March 19, 2024 at 10:35 amMichael:
Thinking of you as you rest in heaven. Enjoyed the many years of good memories growing up as neighbors in Mason.