Obituary
Bryan K. Bethke
Bryan K Bethke, age 60, passed away peacefully at Gundersen Health System on March 18, 2024 after a battle with cancer and a fall at home. Bryan was born to Bonnie (Kelley) Bethke and Kenneth Bethke of La Crosse and was a graduate of Logan High School in 1982.
Bryan loved being out on his boat and camping on the river with his friends. He also loved the Green Bay Packers and bald eagles. He was a very kind and loving man who would help anyone if he could, and always greeted everyone with a smile.
He worked for his father at Champion Shooting Supplies for many years as the warehouse supervisor until his father retired and sold the company. All of the customers were very fond of him and his caring nature.
He had many very special friendships with friends and relatives and spent his summers and holidays with his favorite family members in Cumberland, Wisconsin when growing up.
He is survived by his parents (Onalaska), his sister Candy Gunderson (La Crosse), nephew Carson Gunderson (La Crosse), great nephew Paris Gunderson (La Crosse), along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Bryan was preceded in death by both of his paternal grandparents, maternal grandparents, several aunts, uncles, and some cousins.
A service or celebration of life with be announced at a later date due to health complications of his mother. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family at this time.
The Bible says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Bryan will always hold a special place in my heart. I have very fond members of Bryan from high school to adulthood. May be rest in peace.
I’m so sorry to hear the passing of Brian, I thought some prayers go out to you and your entire family
I am so sorry for your loss I also loved Bryan and his resilience in getting through life with a smile.
To Ken and Bonnie I know your sorrow as I have also been there. It will lift a bit as time passes but you will always remember all of the good memories that Bryan was a big part of. He was a very special young man and he is no longer in any pain this is what you need to remember. If you need anything or a shoulder to cry call me and I will be there.
Candy you have really stepped up to the plate in helping your family and I am very proud of you. Grief is what you will all experience and you need to let it come now don’t hold everything in. Just know it’s ok to cry and be sad as it becomes part of the healing.
Prayers to all of you
Pat
I did not really know Bryan but I knew Ken & Bonnie. I also met Candy with the help of my son Tony. You have my entire families condolences!
I hope Bonnie is able to get better soon. Prayers
My sincere condolences go out to your family. The loss of a child is tragic no matter what the age of the child. I hope that Bonnie’s health will improve, and you guys will have the support that you need to get through this.
Don and I are so very sorry to hear of Bryan’s passing. We met him many times throughout his life when we would come to spend time with Kenny and Bonnie. We send our love and hugs to each of you as you journey through your loss. We love you ALL, very much.????
Bryan has been more than a dear friend to me since we met in 1989. We always considered each other family and I was always closer to him than my own family. I’m so grateful that he was always a part of my life, and that these past few years I got to spend every holiday with him at my table. I will love, miss and cherish him always ❤️
You will be missed cuz. My heart aches for your loss.
RIP Bryan. You will always be remembered. Bonnie, my cousin, Kenny and Candy you all have our sympathy. I do believe burying a child is one of the most painful things you can experience. I say this from experience myself. I pray you all get strength from the Lord to endure this.
Bryan has been more than a dear friend to me since we met in 1989. We always considered each other family and I was always closer to him than my own family. I’m so grateful that he was always a part of my life, and that these past few years I got to spend every holiday with him at my table. I will love, miss and cherish him always ❤️
So very sorry. Cathy B from a long time ago. Worked with Bonnie for years.
We’re so sorry to hear of Brian’s passing ,I enjoyed talking to Him when Your Parents Had Their Business.Big Hugs to Your Mom ,Dad and You Candy.❤️❤️❤️????
Sorry to hear of Bryan s passing ,he always had a smile and kind words in school.Prayers for the family
Very for for your lose.
I lived across the street from Bethkes on French island. Bryan was always such a nice guy and I have fond memories. Ken, Bonnie and Candy, I am so very sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace and comfort.
bryan.. my friend of many yrs. we had alot of good times in the 80s. but we never lost touch. i was many miles away.. but i came too see him french island. i remember so well. i helped him in the end how i could with the phone call and substinence. he was my friend.. a cherished one. i grieve on this. if i wasent 10 hrs away travel time id be there… this i feel is my loss. his picture so reminds me of his cackle.. ay, ay ay.. HA! todd leonard aberdeen south dakota.
I’m sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed talking with Bryan when I was at Champions. Prayers sent.
I will always love you! I can’t believe this, my heart is broken dad! Why all the calls we had every month and you never told me about cancer even when I went to see you last year. I have always loved you and always will! I can’t believe this! We just talked. I love you!
Bonnie, Ken and Candy, I am so sorry to hear this. I have always enjoyed seeing and talking to Bryan when I ran in to him. I will remember that big smile of his always. My prayers are with you ad your family. Sincerely, Dale A Emery
See You On The Other Side My Friend…Love/Peace XO