Yvonne Bethke

Yvonne Bethke, 97, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2023, in Sanford Hospice House, Fargo, ND.

She was born on June 12, 1926, in McVille, ND, to James and Alvilda "Allie" (Restad) Bergstrom. 

Yvonne's journey through life was filled with love, joy, and selflessness. After graduating as the valedictorian of Pekin High School in 1944, she attended Concordia College in Moorhead and later attended Brown's Institute in Minneapolis.  Yvonne started her career at Northwest Airlines while residing in Minneapolis. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Roman "Dick" Stang. They exchanged vows on September 4, 1948, in a beautiful ceremony at Pekin Lutheran Church. Together they lived in Moorhead where they started their family, before settling in St. Louis Park, MN for several years. In 1965, Yvonne and Dick returned to Moorhead where they established a loving home.

Tragedy struck when Dick passed away in 1981; however, life had more happiness in store for Yvonne. On March 20, 1982, she remarried William "Bill" Bethke. This union not only brought Yvonne immense joy but also expanded her family as she became a stepmother to Bill's four grown children. Yvonne embraced this new role wholeheartedly and cherished the moments spent with her stepchildren and their families.

Family was at the center of Yvonne's world. She found utmost joy in spending time with her loved ones and treasured the memories they created together. Her warm presence enriched their lives beyond measure; they consider themselves blessed to have had her as part of their life for so long. 

Aside from dedicating herself to her family, Yvonne found solace and fulfillment in various hobbies. She had a passion for traveling, immersing herself in the wonders of new places. With a thirst for knowledge, Yvonne loved delving into books and expanding her mind. Gardening provided her with a sense of peace and connection to nature. Music held great importance in her life, particularly singing with the "Mothersingers" in St. Louis Park.  Yvonne was an active member of every church choir she attended throughout her lifetime, her voice lifting spirits and reminding all of the power of music.

Yvonne will be remembered as a personal and caring woman who took genuine interest in the lives of those around her. Her positivity and upbeat outlook on life were uplifting to those fortunate enough to know her. Yvonne's legacy extends far beyond her immediate family; she touched the hearts of friends, acquaintances, and anyone who crossed paths with her.

Yvonne is survived by her children, Jeff (Suzi), Rick Stang, Beth (Mike) Arends; stepchildren, Joann (Rick) Muus, Jane (Ron) Schaeffer, Kristi (Geoff) Docken, Bob (Janell) Bethke; two grandchildren,  Maggie (Matt) and Jessy (Chad); four great-grandchildren, Faye, Ruby, Georgia, Scarlett and another on the way; 12 step-grandchildren, Kyle, Kurt, Heidi, Dan, Steven, Andrea, Cory, Marc, Jon, Kelley, Katie and Rob;  and 24 additional step great-grandchildren. 

Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Sara Stang; as well as both of her husbands, Roman "Dick" Stang and William "Bill" Bethke.

Funeral Service for Yvonne will be held Friday, September 8, 2023, at 11am in The Lutheran Church of Christ The King, Moorhead.  Visitation will be at the church one-hour prior.  Interment will be in the Pekin Cemetery, Pekin, ND.

(Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN