Kendall J. Betzen

Kendall Joe Betzen passed away on March 1st, 2025, at Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home, Bellevue, Nebraska at the age of 76 years.

Kendall was born on January 6, 1949, to Francis and Glenna Merle (Campbell) Betzen in Woodward, Oklahoma and graduated from Bishop Carroll High School Class of 1967, Wichita, Kansas. In November of 1967 he enlisted in the United States Navy, training in San Diego, California, attended schooling in Monterey, California, Texas, and Florida. Kendall was fluent in German and Spanish receiving assignment aboard the USNS Muller (TAG-171) as a radio operator. He received a Presidential Certificate of Honor for intercepting a message during the Cuban Missile crisis while on the Mueller. He earned the title of CTI3 Betzen and after the Mueller docked was assigned to Naval Security Group Activity, Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. Kendall received his Honorable discharge from the US Navy on September 8, 1971.

On January 23, 1971, Kendall married Elizabeth (Betty) Yindrick and three children were born to this union: Eric, Kevin, and Jessica. They lived in McPherson, Kansas where Kendall helped his parents working at the family store C.R. Anthony. He also trained in the insurance field in Kansas.

After moving to David City in 1974 he started working for Wright Feed Mill/Five Star Feed. Part time work was bartending at the downtown Perkins Hotel, American Legion Club, and Par IV Golf Course. Kendall joined the David City Jaycees helping the organization and earned several awards for community involvement locally and state. He especially enjoyed working on the MDA Golf Tournaments. He was very passionate about Veterans. He was part of American Legion Post 125 and was involved in improving conditions at the Veterans home by serving as Council President for several years.

Kendall was divorced in 1994 and moved to Meade, Nebraska where he worked at Black Feeds. In the spring of 1995, after suffering a blood clot to the brain, he returned to David City for alternative care. In March of 2015 he transferred to the Veterans Home in Bellevue for treatment and care until his passing. Kendall has donated his body to the Anatomical Board of Nebraska, Creighton University. Grave side services will be at a later date at the Omaha National Cemetery.

Kendall is survived by his children Kevin Betzen (Elissa Schievelbein), Jessica (Jason) Miller, Daughter-in-law Darci Sitzman Betzen. Sister: Carol (John) Austin, brother-in-law Tom McProud. Grandchildren: Courtney (Eugene) Prochaska, Devin (Katie) Betzen, Hunter Betzen (Miriah Rees), Chloe, Zachary, Kaylee, Reilly (Jacee Woolsey), Wesley and Colby Miller, Jake (Brittani Thelen) and Lee (Sutton Molacek) Betzen, Cassidy and Alec Wieser. Great Grandchildren: Angelina and Rowan Prochaska, Paisley Betzen. Many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Francis and Glenna Merle Betzen, in-laws Lee and Gladys Yindrick, son Eric Betzen, brother Keith Betzen, sister Cathy McProud, and Cathy’s daughter Amy, sister-in-law Eileen Betzen.

Memorials may be sent to the family for later designation at P.O. Box 184, David City, Nebraska 68632.