DeWayne Bethurem
DeWayne Bethurem, 77 of Billings, died
August 23, 2009 at Billings Clinic.
DeWayne was a man of his family and his word. He loved to fish
the lakes above Red Lodge. Playing cribbage and pinochle were
his passion. Every Friday night was pinochle night where
family would get together and try to beat him at his own game.
Bridger Iron and Metal was his physical and mental therapy. He
enjoyed his customers, often having them in for coffee and a game of
Cribbage.
DeWayne was born on May 3, 1932 in Powell, WY, and went to school in
Bridger. He married LaVerne Berry on July 13, 1952.
DeWayne was a cook in the Army and stationed at Fort Ord, CA.
After leaving the Army he worked in the oilfields. He then
worked in the construction industry for Albright and DeRudder, owned
and ran H&H Café in Bridger with his mother Maxine, and also had a
Juke Box business. He went to work at MDU, following in his
father’s footsteps. He retired from MDU at the age of 62.
He had a retirement party at Fort Rockvale where his father also had
his retirement party from MDU.
DeWayne and LaVerne bought a motor home and took a 5 week long trip
to Alaska with LaVerne’s brother, Bill Berry and sister-in-law,
Kathy. Last year he took a trip to Panama with his sister
Delores and brother-in-law Bob Lynch. DeWayne and LaVerne
celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2002.
He always worried about not getting his metals cleaned up.
Don’t worry Dad, we’ll get that last load out for you.
He is survived by his wife LaVerne Bethurem; son Randy Bethurem; and
a daughter Dela “Dee” Lawler and her husband Mark Lawler;
grandchildren, Alissa, Priscella, Brandy, Robert, and Colter
Bethurem, Jarrett Roberts, and Kyle Lawler; and his sisters Linda
Fox and husband Jim of Billings and Delores Lynch and husband Bob of
Great Falls.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, August 28, 2009
at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Interment will be held at
Bridger Cemetery in Bridger, Montana with a graveside service at
approximately 12:15 P.M. A reception will follow the
burial in Bridger. Visitation will be held at Michelotti-Sawyers
Mortuary from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., on Thursday and prior to the service
on Friday.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave Haskell
He was a great uncle. He visited me at every restaurant I worked at and always had a big hello and smile to all. Niece Gwen
He was my father in law to be, he was a very sweet man and I am glad I had the opportunity to know him. I will miss him very much. With Love, Lori