Gerald Dean Bethke, son of Henry and Anna (Veeh) Bethke, was born on December 8, 1923 in Stuttgart, Kansas. He passed away on July 23, 2010 at the Norton County Hospital in Norton, Kansas at the age of 86.

Gerald grew up in Stuttgart; he was baptized on December 30, 1923 and confirmed June 13, 1937 into the Lutheran faith at Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Stuttgart. He graduated from high school in Phillipsburg.

On October 18, 1951, Gerald was united into marriage to Lela M. Meyer at St. John's Lutheran Church of Athol, Kansas. To this union, two children were born. Gerald and Lela spent all of their married life in Stuttgart, Kansas.

He spent his entire career at the Farmers State Bank in Stuttgart. Gerald served in the capacity as chief executive officer and director.

Gerald was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a member of the Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Stuttgart and was very involved in many of the church's activities and groups over the years.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, spouse, and brothers—Lyle, Lormer, and Marmer—and a sister-in-law, Annie. Survivors include his son, Brian and wife, Linda of Larned, Kansas, and his daughter, Jeannine of Topeka, Kansas: his two granddaughters: Andrea Bethke of Chicago, Illinois, and Marla Bethke of Larned; two nieces and a nephew, and one great nephew.

Gerald contributed his talents and his services to his church, his family, the community and his many friends. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services were held Wed, July 28 at 2:00 p.m. in the Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Stuttgart, with Pastor Shelly Klingensmith officiating. Burial followed in the Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Church.