Robert J. Betzel, 79, Helped Innumerable People Throughout His Life

He was born on October 18, 1939, to Louis and Stella (née Poweska) Betzel. Bob graduated from Clearview High School in 1957 and worked on the family farm, eventually building Betzel’s Greenhouse in 1959. He married his life partner and beloved wife Karen (née Johnson) in 1961.

Bob helped innumerable people throughout his life. He was always ready to lend an ear or tell a joke or solve a problem, no matter how large. Mr. Fred Rogers was talking about Bob Betzel when he advised children to look for the Helpers in times of crisis. Many of his lifelong friends were met when they worked for Bob at the greenhouses or on the farm.

Bob had a gift for growing things. He grew tomatoes and cucumbers in his greenhouse, transitioning to bedding plants, hanging baskets, and foliage that was shipped to chain stores in all the Great Lakes states. Outdoors, he grew the best sweet corn anywhere, period. Bob raised soybeans, wheat, and many types of vegetables that his children helped him harvest and pack, often under duress. In his later years, he enjoyed filling his cooler with produce from Blooming Grove and County Line Produce Auctions, and he made many friends there.

Despite the hours he spent toiling on the farm, Bob had many hobbies. He played guitar, especially when a big party was starting in a few hours. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was recognized for his trapshooting skills. He kept bees, collected “certain ethnic” jokes, and his CB radio handle was “Tomato Picker”. He was adept at black-and-white photography and had a darkroom in his basement, in which he developed and printed many photographs of family and friends. He loved fireworks and threw huge 4th of July parties with near-professional fireworks displays. He loved dogs and always had at least one faithful companion that rode everywhere in his truck with him. He enjoyed riding his horse, Bree, down the abandoned railroad tracks. While his roots were firmly planted in Ohio, he found true happiness spending time with his family and friends at his cabin and then his home in Michigan. His greatest source of pride was the family and friends that he grew throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Karen (née Johnson), daughters Jackie Betzel-Conrad, Karalynne (Mark) Vitas, Kristin (Jesse) Cortez, son, John Betzel (Ruth Keller), adopted daughter Cecilia Peasley, 9 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, his brother Louis Jr.(Gail, deceased), and sister Nancy (Ron) Miller. He is also survived by several cousins, many nieces and nephews, as well as his extended, blended family. He will be missed by his riding partner and loyal dog, Bear.

He was preceded in death by his father, Louis Betzel, in 2004 and his mother, Stella Betzel (née Poweska) in 1981.

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at UH Seidman/Mercy Health-Cancer Center in Elyria, especially Dr. Belagodu Kantharaj, for providing compassionate care to Bob throughout his journey.

His family will receive friends Saturday, January 19, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Christ Lutheran Church, 4501 Clinton Avenue, Lorain, Ohio 44055, followed by a memorial service at 2 PM. The Rev. Laurie Miller, Pastor will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

Funeral arrangements are by Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain (440) 277-8164. For expressions of sympathy and further information please see, Reidyfuneral.com.