Johan “Joe” Betten

Johan “Joe” Betten, age 89, of Grand Rapids, went home to Heaven on Thursday, March 30, 2023. Joe was the fifth child of seven born to Joseph and Marie (Vroon) Betten. As a pastor’s child, born in Doon, Iowa, he also lived in Highland, Michigan, Western Springs, Illinois, and Lynden, Washington. Joe attended Chicago Christian High and Calvin College. Joe was drafted into the army in March of 1956. During his two years at Fort Carson and in Germany, Joe courted the love of his life through heart-felt letters. He married Verna Ann Ebbers September 30, 1959. They were married for 64 years. Joe spent more than 40 years in the car business culminating with his leadership at Courtesy Dodge. He left a legacy of honesty, integrity and good will as a businessman, colleague, and employer. Joe was a faithful member of Westend Christian Reformed Church. As a husband, dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather “Poppy”, Joe was known to be unconditionally loving, always thinking the best of people, kind and considerate, generous and gentle. His encouraging and non-judgmental spirit made it easy for family members and friends to feel welcome. Joe practiced servant leadership and will be remembered for his humility, courage and standing up for the underdog. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Marie Betten; siblings, Nela Mae (Cap) Koetje, Tony (Char) Betten, Hank (Esther) Betten, Marge (Wally) Boelkins, Red Betten, and Jean Helder. Survivors include his beloved wife, Verna Betten; children, Jody Betten (Dan Plasman), Bryan (Sandy) Betten, Karry (Jon) Lanning, Brett Betten; grandchildren, Aaron (Jodi) Veldheer, Nika (Michael) Lindsay, Kayla Rice, Micah (Daniel) Plaisier, Sydney Betten, Kaiya Betten, Mason Ter Horst, Mya Ter Horst, Cassie Betten (Griffin Baker), Ryan Betten, Lily Betten, Joey Betten, Ella Betten, and Ava Betten; as well as six great-grandchildren, Lennox, James, Beau, Bella, Zachary, and Maddox. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 10, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. at Westend Christian Reformed Church, 1015 Westend Ave NW, Grand Rapids, with his daughter, Rev. Jody Betten officiating. The burial will take place at Rosedale Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet the family on Monday from 2:30-4:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to His Place Ministries or Mel Trotter Ministries.