Bruce I Bettis Jr.

Bruce Irving Bettis Jr., 62, of Hillsboro and formerly of Sparta, passed away peacefully Friday, November 2, 2018 at his home surrounded by the love of his family and friends. He was born November 22, 1955 to the late Bruce Sr. and Joan (Oelfke) Bettis in Neenah, WI.

Bruce had a love for tinkering with small engines, especially lawn mowers. When he lived in Sparta, he had a motorized chair he would always drive around. Even though he had cerebral palsy, he never allowed it to limit him.

Bruce was a collector of many items, with his most prized possession being a baseball cap collection. He has well over 500 and would buy a hat whenever he could, and loved them as gifts. Bruce enjoyed fishing, hunting, classic country music, word search books, classic tv shows, and good conversation.

Bruce is survived by his two brothers, Vern Bettis and Jim (Cheryl) Bettis; a sister, Peggy Arneson; and several nieces and nephews. He further leaves behind a special group of friends turned family from his home at the Champion House, including his sidekick and lil buddy, Brett.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce Sr. and Joan.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 10, at Melrose Cemetery, Melrose. Reverend Loretta Waughtal will officiate. Family and friends are invited to gather from 9-10 a.m. on Saturday, the Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta. Online condolences may be offered to Bruce’s family at www.schanhoferfh.com

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire staff at the Champion House in Hillsboro for taking good care Bruce and making him part of their family.

The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. 

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