Dean Walter Betz

Dean W. Betz, 90, of Benton Harbor, passed away Friday, May 22, 2015 at Hanson Hospice Center. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at Fairplain Presbyterian Church, 210 W. Napier, Benton Harbor with Pastor LaVerne Davenport officiating. Friends may visit from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Service, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to Hanson Hospice Center or Sarett Nature Center. Those wishing to share a memory of Dean may do so online at www.starksmenchinger.com. Dean was born February 18, 1925 in South Bend, Indiana to Walter & Bessie (Faber) Betz. He graduated from Central High School in South Bend in 1943. Immediately after graduation, Dean enlisted in the United States Army. He served his country proudly during World War II in the 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. For his service, he was awarded a silver star, three  bronze stars, an American Theater Ribbon, a Good Conduct Medal, and the Victory Medal. In 2002 he was honored by the French Government for participating in the Normandy Landing and the liberation of France. Dean earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Iowa. He continued his education at Wayne State University where he earned a Speech Therapy Certificate, and later received a Master’s degree from Michigan State University. Dean married Elizabeth Ann Ensign in 1948. For over 35 years he was a Speech Pathologist, most of these years for the Benton Harbor Public Schools. Dean was an active member  of Benton Harbor Education Association and served as president. Dean also enjoyed his summer work as an Agricultural Inspector for the State of Michigan. He jokingly referred to his career as “Speech and Peach”. Ann preceded Dean in death in 1991. In 1998 Dean married Mary (Heminger) Cozart. He was a proud member of the Benton Harbor/St. Joseph Elks, V.F.W. and the American Legion. Dean loved to be outside golfing, fishing, and hiking. He had an artistic side as well, enjoying photography, playing piano, drawing, theater and opera. Dean is survived by his wife Mary Cozart-Betz? daughters Susan Betz, Jennifer McAllister, Julia (Charles) Swain, and Victoria (Chris) Thomas all of St. Joseph; son Walter (Elizabeth) Betz of Mekoryuk, Alaska; step daughters, Karen Cozart of Atlanta, Georgia, Melissa Cozart of Minnetonka, Minnesota, and Charlyn (Raul) Martinez of Anthony, New Mexico; grandchildren, Jesse (Suzi) Olson, Katie and Christine McAllister, Nathaniel, Bourke, Adriana, Grace, Isaac and Gwendolyn Betz, Jacob and Paige Thomas; great-grandchildren, Zachary and Jacob Olson; brother Raymond (Judith) Betz of Bakersfield, California;  brother-in-law Allyn Ensign (Jean) of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Dean was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, and son-in-law Patrick McAllister. Cremation has taken place.  The ashes will be scattered at a later date, following a family croquet match.  Michigan rules will apply.