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Jerry Ronald Betcke, age 89, of Sturgis, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born February 25, 1937 in Sturgis, a son of the late Harry E. Betcke and Margaret E. (Whyman) Fennell.
Jerry was a graduate of Sturgis High School, Class of 1955, where he excelled as a baseball pitcher. He was also a hard worker and enjoyed helping in his father’s store during his high school years.
Jerry proudly served in the United States Army, where he was a driver in the motorcade division. During his military service, he drove many members of the upper brass at the Pentagon and also served overseas in Mannheim, Germany. He was also a motorcade driver for a Montana senator during the funeral procession of President John F. Kennedy.
Following his military service, Jerry was employed for 20 years as a delivery driver for Borg and Warner Auto Parts. He later owned and operated the Council Court Hotel in Aurora, Illinois.
Jerry enjoyed watching Westerns and looked forward to trips to Dairy Queen for ice cream. He will be remembered by his family and friends for the life he lived, the work he took pride in, and the memories he created with those around him.
He is survived by two sons, Mark S. Betcke of Shepherd, Michigan, and David Betcke and Jill Hobson of Sturgis; a stepson, Richard Inghram of Aurora, Illinois; grandchildren, Tori Bell, Madison Betcke, and Macilynn Betcke; step-grandchildren, Zachary (Ashlee) Metzger, Zane Metzger, Raven Ahart, Victoria Inghram, and Drew Inghram; 9 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law: Roberta Betcke; nieces; Renee Betcke and Nicole Betcke.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother: Terry Betcke, a nephew: Mitchell Betcke, and a niece MiKel Betcke.
According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. A service of remembrance will be held at a later date, to be announced.
Memorial donations in Jerry’s memory may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes have been entrusted with the arrangements.
