Groff Funeral Homes
1607 East Perkins Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-626-3632
Fax: 419-626-2445
Email: info@grofffuneralhomes.com
Website: http://www.grofffuneralhomes.com
View All Obituaries from Groff Funeral Homes
William "Bill" Harmon Bettcher, 70, residing in Milan, passed away Sunday evening, September 12, 2021 surrounded by his family at home following a brief illness.
Bill was born on February 5, 1951 in Berea, OH to the late Louis A. and Leota (Drusendahl) Bettcher. Bill was member of the Class of 1968 at Vermilion High School where he played basketball. He went on to attend The Ohio State University.
He was the Vice President and Manager of Bettcher Industries, Protective Wear Subsidiary from 1966 to 1998. He traveled worldwide establishing US and foreign marketing programs for the subsidiary. He was awarded many US and foreign patents.
Bill was a former member of the Vermilion Boat Club. In 2011 he and his wife cruised the Great Loop in their Rybovich Yacht from Northern Ontario thru Chicago and around to the Hudson River. Larry enjoyed sailing and captained his own sail boats throughout his life. He was an active supporter of the Erie County MetroParks, Vermilion Parks Department and the Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum. He designed and enjoyed his summer home in Killarney, ON, his winter home on Captiva Island, FL and restoring his home in Milan. He was a talented interior designer.
Bill is survived by his wife, Valerie (Flaim) Bettcher, whom he married on Captiva Island at the Chapel By The Sea in the Spring of 1997. He is also survived by his sisters, Molly Bettcher-Gray (Peter) and Debra Bettcher-Hess (Tom); brother, Larry (Karen) Bettcher and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
In addition to his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his brother, Richard Bettcher.
Friends may call on Thursday, September 30, 2021 from 10:00 am until the time of memorial services at 11:00 am at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory Milan Chapel, 1 S. Main St., Milan. Rev. Dr. Roger Skelley-Watts will officiate. Burial will follow in Birmingham Cemetery, South St., Birmingham, OH.
Those wishing to contribute to Bill's memory may do so to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
The family would like to express sincere gratitude to Dr. Gregory Grant for his extraordinary care of Bill over the years.
Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.
