Kenneth Dale Bettger

July 27, 1940 – Dec. 1, 2024

Kenneth Bettger, 84, passed away December 1, 2024, in Billings. 

He was born on July 27, 1940, in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Kenny spent his early childhood in the small, nearby mining town of Mount Harris. The family moved to Steamboat Springs, where he graduated from junior high. 

With his eighth-grade education, Kenny went to work. He tried his hand at logging, roofing and as a rough neck. Ultimately, he started driving truck and running heavy equipment for his father, Jake, and excelled at both jobs. Kenny was drafted into the Army in 1963 and drove trucks. He was quickly recognized for his ability to mechanic and began working on trucks and equipment. 

He returned home in 1965 and tended bar at the Pioneer in Steamboat, where he met and fell in love with Phyllis Buchanan. They married on November 5, 1966, and were happily married for 58 years. Kenny joined his father and brother Cecil in the family business, Bettger Sand & Gravel. 

He bought land and built a log home for his wife and growing family. In the 1980s Kenny went to work for Steamboat Ski Corp. at Slope Maintenance as a welder and mechanic. He quickly became the shop foreman. He retired in 1997 and moved to Byron with his wife because he was tired of the long, snowy winters and tourists.

Kenny had many talents. He was an excellent mechanic, welder and builder. He was passionate about the outdoors and shared that with his family. He loved camping, fishing, hunting and snowmobiling. Also, Kenny enjoyed bowling, playing cards, gambling and racing stock cars. He was a talented guitar player and sang at family gatherings. Ken was a great storyteller with so many life experiences to share.  

Kenneth had a tremendous work ethic which he carried into retirement. He worked tirelessly on his beautiful yard and garden. He also worked to rebuild his 1987 GMC truck he called Thunder. He equally loved his downtime, watching boxing and his beloved Denver Broncos. However, his favorite time was spent during happy hour in the club house listening to or playing old-time country music while drinking Miller High Life and smoking a cigar.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis; parents Jake and Lydia Bettger; and siblings Richard, Cecil and Edna.

Kenneth is survived by his sons, Troy (Shawneen) Bettger of Hayden, Colorado, and Chester (Genevieve) Bettger of Clark, Wyoming, daughter Susan (Kurt) Waldo of Durango, Colorado, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.  

Kenneth will be dearly missed, forever in our hearts. With a fun, courageous and bold spirit, he touched all who knew him.

A service will be held December 14 at 2 p.m. at the Haskell Funeral Home, followed by a graveside memorial at the Byron Cemetery. A reception will follow at Chester and Genny’s home in Clark.