Ernest O. “Ernie” Betz, 75, Celestine

Ernest O. “Ernie” Betz, 75, of Celestine, passed away at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, August 19, 2019, at home. 

Ernie was born in Schnellville, Indiana, on October 2, 1943, to Jerome and Anna Mae (Verkamp) Betz.  He married Donna Schepers on May 7, 1966, in St. Celestine Catholic Church. He was a 1961 graduate of Northeast Dubois High School. 

Ernie served in the Army National Guard. He was a lifetime farmer and was employed by Betz Brothers Butcher Shop. He was a member of St. Isidore Parish – St. Celestine Catholic Church in Celestine, Indiana, and the Schnellville Conservation Club. He enjoyed farming. He also enjoyed playing Sheephead.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Donna Betz of Celestine; three daughters, Karen (Chuck) Scherzinger of Celestine, Traci (Scott) Wineinger of Cuzco, and Robyn (Kregg) Nordhoff of Kyana; one son, Michael (Christine) Betz of Celestine; 11 grandchildren, Lauren, Patrick, and Adrienne Betz, Caleb, Cole, and KariAnn Scherzinger, Travis and Colin Wineinger, and Hallie, Hunter, and Hayden Nordhoff; two sisters, Doretha (Erwin) Boeglin of Ferdinand and Lou Alice (Sam) Dilger of Mariah Hill; three brothers, Ralph Betz of Schnellville, Marvin (Phyllis) Betz of Celestine, and Leroy (Jenny) Betz of Schnellville. 

Preceding him in death are his parents. 

A Mass of Christian Burial for Ernest Betz will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2019, at St. Celestine Catholic Church in Celestine, Indiana, with burial to follow in the church cemetery.  The American Legion Post #147 will conduct military gravesite rites. 

A visitation will be held from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21, 2019, at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper, Indiana. St. Isidore Parish will pray a rosary at 1:45 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Isidore Parish or to the St. Celestine Cemetery Fund.

Online condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com.