RUSSELL — George C. Betz, 85, of Russell, died Sept. 20, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays.
He was born Jan. 28, 1926, near Red Wing, the son of Henry and Lena (Hilgenberg) Betz. George lived in Russell County most all his life. He worked in the oil fields as a pumper for 45 years until he retired in 1989. He served in the 82nd Airborne as a paratrooper of the United States Army during World War II where he fought in the European Theatre. He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Ellen Marie Bunker on April 18, 1954.  She preceded him in death on Feb. 20, 2005. 
George was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 6240, and the St. John Lutheran Church of Russell.
Surviving family include a sister, Cora Smitherman, Englewood, Colo.; and two nieces, Audrey Hlaus and husband Jim, Wilson; and Denese Nation and husband John, Kellyville, Okla.; and their families. He was also preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers Roy, Ray and Christ.
A Celebration of George’s life is scheduled at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the St. John Lutheran Church of Russell with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating. Burial will follow at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell.
Visitation is scheduled from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, with family to greet guests from 6 to 7 p.m. Sunday. V.F.W. Post No. 6240 of Russell will be present to perform the military rites.  Memorials may be given to the St. John Lutheran Church and sent in care of the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary*
610 N. Maple
Russell, KS, 67665
Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, Sept. 25, 2011