Melvin J. Betz, 73, of Celestine, passed away at 8:45 a.m. on Monday, April 4, 2022, at St. Charles Health Campus in Jasper.
Melvin was born in Huntingburg on May 12, 1948, to Othmar and Alberta (Verkamp) Betz. He married Cecilia Sherman on November 18, 1978, at St. Henry Catholic Church in St. Henry.
A 1966 graduate of Northeast Dubois High School, Melvin served in the Army National Guard from 1966-1972. He was owner and manager of Betz Brothers Building Supply for 35 years.
Melvin was a member of St. Isidore Parish – St. Celestine Catholic Church, the St. Anthony American Legion No. 493, Builder’s Association of Dubois County, where he served on the Board of Directors, Schnellville Volunteer Fire Department, Celestine Volunteer Fire Department, Celestine Community Club, Celestine Park, Schnellville Conservation Club, Good Shepherd of the Hills Knights of Columbus, and a lifetime member of the Betzville Park. Melvin also made Cursillo #54.
He was a lifelong volunteer of many community organizations. He also enjoyed gardening, spending time outdoors, fishing, hunting, attending NASCAR races, and spending time with family and friends. He was known to be very sociable and inspirational.
Surviving are his wife, Cecilia Betz of Celestine; three children, Jason (Laura) Betz of Celestine, Stephanie Buening of Huntingburg and Alison (Matthew) Lindauer of Holland; six grandchildren, Brooke Buening, Zoey Buening, Lisa Lindauer, Abram Betz, Lee Lindauer and Jacob Betz; 11 siblings, Luanna (Kenny) Wessel of Mariah Hill, Edwin (Judy) Betz of Celestine, Bob (Arlene) Betz of Schnellville, Vic (Connie) Betz of Celestine, Patty Burke of Celestine, Janie (John) Kempf of St. Anthony, Sylvia (Ray) Kern of Mariah Hill, JoAnn (Kurt) Voelkel of Ireland, Franny (Steve) Brosmer of Jasper, Hilbert (Janice) Betz of Celestine and Kathy (Greg) Knust of Schnellville; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were one brother, John G. Betz; one brother-in-law, Herbert Burke; and one niece, Annette Truax.
A Mass of Christian burial for Melvin Betz will take place on Friday, April 8, at St. Celestine Catholic Church in Celestine, with burial following in the church cemetery. The American Legion Post No. 493 will conduct military graveside rites.
Memorial contributions may be made St. Isidore Parish, Celestine Volunteer Fire Department, Celestine Community Club, Celestine Park, or to a favorite charity.
Online condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com.
