Douglas John Betz, 25 Jan 1941 - 22 Jun 2021

BETZ, BLOME, SMITH, LONG, ELLIS, SPEED, MORROW

Posted By: Sarah Witte (email)
Date: 7/1/2021 at 10:13:29

Douglas J. Betz, 80, of Ankeny Iowa, went to be with the Lord, June 22, 2021.

Visitation was 5-7 p.m., Friday, June 25, 2021, at Ankeny Baptist Church (2842 SW 3rd ST PL). A funeral service was 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 26, 2021, also at Ankeny Baptist Church. The service was also livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. https://livestream.com/accounts/2557717/events/9731101

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be given to Iowa Regular Baptist Camp or Ankeny Baptist Church.

Douglas was born to Merwyn and Freda (Blome) Betz on January 25, 1941, on the Betz family farm near Ladora, Iowa. In 1959, Douglas graduated from HLV Highschool. In 1963, graduated from Iowa State University with a BS in Agronomy. Douglas married Janet (Smith), January 18, 1964. Douglas spent 34 years working for USDA-RD (FmHA) as the Administrative Officer for the State of Iowa.

Douglas was a faithful follower of Christ, professing Christ as his personal savior at the age of 7, a loving, faithful and gracious husband to Janet for 57 years. He was always a steady, peaceful rock in our lives, a true example of a man of God. He was a true servant, always putting others needs first. He had a love for watching his kids and grandkids sport events, tracking their stats, or attending their many recitals. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, weather tracking, gardening, and woodworking/refinishing.

Douglas was an active member of Ankeny Baptist Church and over the years served there in various roles: deacon, singing in the choir, Awana leader, youth group leader. A favorite role through the years was serving on the missions committee. His passion to see the gospel around the world was very evident as the Betz family hosted countless missionaries in their home.

One of his favorite passages from scripture was James 1:19-22 “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

Douglas is survived by his wife Janet, three children: Phil (Barb), Paul, and Ellen (Ryan) Long; eight grandchildren: Mandy (Chris) Ellis, Tyler (Kat) Betz, Pamela (David) Speed, Samantha Betz, James (Sydney) Betz, Silas Betz, Jared Long, Mercedez Long; eight great-grandchildren: Camden, Anya, and Aria Ellis, Josiah and Micah Speed, Liam and Lucy Betz, and Eli Betz. Survived by brother Randall (Kay) Betz, sister Sharon Morrow, and sister-in-law Barbara Betz.

He was preceded in death by parents Merwyn and Freda Betz and brother Leighton Betz.

Published in The Hometown Current on June 30, 2021.