Charles Betthauser

Betthauser, Charles J. MADISON Charles J. Betthauser, age 84, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008, at the HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg. He was born on June 19, 1924, in Tomah, the son of John and Mae (McWithey) Betthauser. Charles graduated from Tomah High School, and then attended Marquette University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in 1951. Due to his physical disability he was unable to serve during World War II, instead he spent the war years working at Camp McCoy, serving his country as best as he could. He married LaVerne Schintgen on May 22, 1954, at St. Ritas Catholic Church in West Allis. Charles worked for the State of Wisconsin for more than 31 years as a research analyst. From a young age on, he decided his disability would not stop him from living life, the majority of the time, he figured out a way to accomplish his goals. As a young man he played the drums in the high school, marching band. After being married he loved to take the rowboat out on Crooked Lake and fish. When his children were young Charles would take them camping all over the country. As his children were grown up and he was older Charles took them to more certain destinations like Alaska, Canada, and Florida. He loved to travel more than anything, he has been to 49 of the 50 states, excluding Hawaii. With his absolute favorite being Alaska, home of his dear friends, Phil and Karen Thern and home to spectacular scenery and fish. Its where he caught his "Big Fish". A 62 inch long King Salmon. The pride of his fishing experiences. The next thing Charles loved best was story telling. He loved people and telling stories and would tell them to anyone who would listen. Charles loved playing cards and sports. While he could never play sports, he was an avid Packers and Brewers fan, as well as a golf fan in general. Charles is survived by his children, John, Ann, Mary (Chris) all of Madison, Mark (Vicki) of Portage, and David, Doris of Ohio; his grandchildren, Samantha, Morgan and Randy; and his best friend, Bill Kessler. He was preceded in death by his wife, LaVerne; daughter, Rita (Waggoner); parents, John and Mae Betthauser; an infant brother, John; sister, Grace; uncle, Daniel McWhithey; mother and father-in-law, Jacob and Elizabeth Schintgen; dear, dear friends, David Brockert, Phil Phelan and Margaret Beckman. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008, at 11:30 a.m. with Father John Meinholz presiding. Entombment will be held at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, on Tuesday, Sept 16, 2008, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. also for an hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the church. The Betthauser family would like to give a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Russell Hermus and his nurse, Angie for their exceptional care over the years. The family would also like to thank the Hospice Staff for their care and compassion. The respect and dignity you showed for our father will also be remembered. He was truly at home with you. Charles opinions were well held frequently voiced, he was not a man of indecision. He knew what he wanted and what he believed in and it is that strength and determination that allowed him to overcome his disability. It is also his strength that he has left to his children that will be his legacy. We are all very proud of him and love him dearly, and always will. "For God alone my soul waits in silence,for my hope is from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God." Psalm 62