Gene Betz

Gene was born in Lebanon, Pennsylvania and raised in the country, northeast of Hershey. He lived on a farm for the first eight years of his life, and attended a one-room school through eighth grade, graduating from Palmyra High School. His family was composed of 13 children, including four sets of non-identical twins.

Gene started church school at an early age, at Gravel Hill 2nd Evangelical United Brethren Church of Palmyra. He committed his life to God through faith in Christ Jesus as his Savior and Lord when he was 12 years old. In 1951, Gene, along with his twin brother Glenn, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict. In 1953, while stationed in Japan, Gene met his wife-to-be, Yoshiko.

After completing his tour of duty, he returned to Japan, reunited with Yoshiko, and was married at the United Brethren Church in her hometown, a suburb of Tokyo. Gene and Yoshiko raised two lovely daughters, Rebecca and Deborah, who were brought up in the Japanese Baptist Church Sunday and nursery school. Gene was employed at Boeing from 1956 to 1959. Subsequently he had a career with the U.S. Postal Service for 27 years as a letter carrier. Each Christmas the residents on his route expressed their appreciation and love with many cards and gifts.

Gene was an active member of JBC throughout most of the years from 1957 -- 2019. Some of his activities included teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and serving as an usher and deacon. Later in life he was chairman of the church operations and membership committees.

Gene was a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers, the Sons of Norway, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, playing pinochle, ballroom dancing, and biking and walking around Green Lake. He died peacefully at home, of old age, with family by his side. He will be remembered by friends and family for his quiet and peaceful demeanor and enduring kindness.

Mr. Betz was preceded in death by his parents, Celia and Michael Betz, and numerous brothers and sisters and their spouses. He is survived by his daughters, Rebecca Miller (Tom) and Deborah Betz; grandson, Sean Miller; sisters, June George and Phyllis Eckert; brother, Ernest Betz; several sister-in-laws and their spouses (Japan), and numerous nieces and nephews in Pennsylvania and Japan.

A memorial service was held on January 14, 2023 at Japanese Baptist Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Evergreen-Washelli.com for the Betz family.