Richard 'Dick' Bettin

Richard C. ‘Dick’ Bettin, 90, Merrill, passed away Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill.

Dick was born June 22, 1935, in Rib Lake, WI, to the late Herbert and Hilda (Neumann) Bettin. He graduated from Merrill High School in 1955. In August 1955, Dick enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent to Fort Carson in Colorado for basic training. In January 1956, he arrived in Washington DC where he worked in the White House Communications. Dick met Darlene Wirth (from Nebraska) on a blind date and they were married on May 21, 1957, in Washington DC.

In August 1958, Dick and Darlene moved to Wausau, WI. He was a policeman in Wausau from 1958 to 1968. He then worked for Wausau Insurance Company in Milwaukee and Wausau until his retirement in June 1990. Dick was an active member of St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill, and was a recipient of their Faith Award. He was a past president of the Church Council and Ushers Club, and on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of Merrill and Wausau. Dick was a life member of the White House Communications Club. He always enjoyed working in the woods making firewood, some of which he shared with other people. He looked forward to making maple syrup with family and friends. Dick always wanted to be there for people who needed help. His family meant the world to him.

Survivors include his daughter, Renee Meyer (Jim Straus) of Harshaw; son, Ken (Sue) Bettin of Waukesha; four grandsons, Eric Meyer (Katie Kufahl) of Merrill, Dion Meyer (Amy Wetzelberger) of Louisville, KY, Jason (Maggie) Bettin of Waukesha, and Keith (Julia) Bettin of West Bend, WI; nine great grandchildren, McKenna, Mason, Mya, Carter, Sienna, Landon, Keegan, Lily, Malayna; and nieces and nephews.

Dick was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene Bettin; parents, Herbert and Hilda Bettin; son-in-law, Doug Meyer; and five sisters and one brother.

“When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom-filled room. Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little-but not too long and not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared. Miss me but let me go. For this is a journey that we all must take and each must go alone. It’s all part of the Master’s plan. A step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends we know and bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. Miss me-but let me go!”

The memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill. Rev. Michael Southcombe will officiate. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 A.M. that day at church.

Memorials may be made to St. Stephens United Church Christ, Merrill.

The family would like to thank the special care team at Pine Crest Nursing Home and hospice care.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Services of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com