Roy Ernest Bettner, age 79 of Dodgeville, WI, passed away on August 8, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI. Roy was born on June 3, 1947, in Dixon, IL to Sedoris and Hazel (Marks) Bettner. He grew up as one of eight children on a farm outside of Oregon, IL and attended a one room school, Pleasant Grove, through eighth grade. Roy graduated from Oregon High School in 1965. Growing up he always had a love of life, worked hard, and could often be found helping others. He loved singing and playing the guitar, especially with his older sister, Ginny.
Even in high school, Roy loved dairy farming. He milked his own dairy cows, placing the milk cans at the end of the driveway for pick-up. He continued his interest in college at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, majoring in agriculture and education and working on the college farm. It was there that he met the love of his life, Mary Williams, of Dodgeville.
Roy was called up to serve in Vietnam while still a student at UW-Platteville. He served in the Army’s 25th Division, 3/22 Inf. in the Fire Direction Center as a “computer”, calculating mortar trajectories. He was promoted to sergeant and earned a Bronze Star. After his tour of duty, he returned to Wisconsin to finish his degree. Roy and Mary were married on August 10, 1969, in Platteville.
Roy briefly taught agriculture in Highland, WI, but soon returned to dairy farming on Mary’s home farm just outside of Dodgeville. They had five children together: Jane, Rodney, Joan, Jeanie, and Ross. Rodney died in infancy. Roy loved spending time with his family and, in particular, his grandchildren. He loved to watch his children and grandchildren’s activities and musical performances. Sitting as a spectator at events, he often learned the names and entire life stories of the people sitting next to him. His family could always pick out his laugh in a packed auditorium.
Roy had a great sense of humor and a contagious laugh. He loved people. Countless get-togethers at the farm started in laughter around the kitchen table and continued in the living room with songs and stories. Neighbors, friends, and relatives always knew they were welcome at any time. The family occasionally hosted international travelers, giving tours of the farm and giving guests a taste of farm life.
Roy was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, his infant son, Rodney, his parents Sedoris and Hazel Bettner, his father and mother-in-law Reynold and Elizabeth Williams, siblings Virginia (Jesse) Suter, Raymond “Pat” (Virginia), Edwin (Agnes), Gary (Kathy), and Kevin Bettner, son-in-law Ryan Kamholtz, brother-in-law Michael O’Connell and several beloved nieces and nephews. He is survived by his children Jane Bettner (Joan Jung), Joan Steele, Jeanie Kamholtz, and Ross Bettner; his grandchildren Tessa Bettner (Alex Michek), Jerome (Jenna) Haag, James Steele, Evan Bettner, Isaac Steele, Sawyer Kamholtz, Jackson Jung Bettner, and Abigail Jung Bettner; his siblings Bonnie O’Connell and Mark (Barbara) Bettner; his sisters and brother-in-law Susan and Earl Swanson and Lori Bettner; special cousins Allen (Ceil), Jan Hannah, and Louise Bettner; and many other cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family would like to thank all of the people who have visited and shared their love of Roy, all the friends and family who have traveled, brought food, and sent cards or flowers. Roy will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
Visitation will be on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again on Saturday, August 29, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at Plymouth Congregational UCC, 115 W. Merrimac St, Dodgeville, WI. Funeral service will begin at 12:00 noon with luncheon to follow. Inurnment at Eastside Cemetery will take place at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.houckfuneralhomes.com
Roy loved pie. We ask willing volunteers to please bring a pie to pass to the luncheon.
Lulloff-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home
Dodgeville • 608-935-3628
www.houckfuneralhomes.com