William "Billy" Betts 1942-2008

CAMPBELL, NICKSIC, BETTS, HESS, HANSEN

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 3/15/2008 at 19:48:40

William Betts

EPWORTH, Iowa -- William "Billy" Betts, 66, of the Iowa Veterans Home, Marshalltown, formerly of Epworth, died at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008, following a stroke resulting from diabetes and heart complications.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Raphael's Cathedral, Dubuque. Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Hoffmann Schneider Funeral Home, 1640 Main St., Dubuque, where the Farley American Legion Post 656 will have a Salute in Prayer at 7 p.m. and a parish prayer service at 7:30 p.m.

Mr. Betts taught junior high school science and social studies for 28 years in the Western Dubuque district at the Farley Elementary-Junior High School. He also coached girls and boys basketball and football at the junior high as well as serving as assistant varsity girls basketball coach at Western Dubuque High School and Dubuque Senior High School.

He was born on Jan. 16, 1942, in Dubuque, son of Victor and Patricia (Campbell) Betts. Bill attended St. Raphael's grade school, Loras Academy and was a member of the first Wahlert High School graduating class in 1960. He was a 1967 graduate of Loras College and served three years in the Air Force.

He was always proud that he had coached most of the players on Western Dubuque High School's state championship teams, the 1987 girls basketball team, the 2001 boys basketball team and the 2001 football team. Bill was a member of the Western Dubuque High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

His teaching and coaching skills were complemented by his role as a videographer. Bill videotaped hundreds of area weddings, anniversaries and family celebrations. With his "Hey Now" by-line he was not afraid to tackle any creative task. Whether directing junior high variety shows, writing scripts for Johnny Orr commercials, or organizing skits for Johnny and Gary Dolphin roasts he charged ahead, always hiding behind the scenes.

In 2000, he served as publicity director for the 10th anniversary "Field of Dreams" celebration lining up presidential candidate Bill Bradley, Sen. Tom Harkin and a number of baseball greats such as Bob Feller and Rollie Fingers. He also served as an honorary "ghost player" for the Field of Dreams.

Bill was also an active member of the Dubuque County Democratic Party. He served on the central committee and acted as campaign manager for many area candidates including Bradley in his 2000 presidential campaign. Earlier this month in Marshalltown, he served as precinct captain, orchestrating a Barack Obama caucus victory and introducing Michelle Obama at a political rally two days before the caucus.

Bill was an inspiring teacher and coach who had a unique style that connected with students and made learning and sports fun. His enthusiasm, creativity, humor and support for the student who needed that extra touch made Bill a legend at Western Dubuque. His influence on hundreds of WD students will last for decades.

Surviving are his sisters, Patricia (Frank) Nicksic, of Valparaiso, Ind., and Catherine (Kay) Hess, of Dubuque; a sister-in-law, Nita Betts, of Asbury; an aunt, Mrs. Peter Hansen, of Delafield, Wis.; and numerous nephews and nieces; he also was blessed with hundreds of friends and former students.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Bob Betts.

Copyright (c) Woodward Communications, Inc. 2008, All Rights Reserved. Dubuque Telegraph Herald, Tuesday, January 29, 2008