Obituary of Frank Bettinger Jr.

Frank Nicholas Bettinger, Jr, 92, passed away on October 29, 2023.

Rosary: 5:00 p.m. Friday, November 3, 2023 at St. Andrew Catholic Church with visitation following. 

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 4, 2023 at St. Andrew Catholic Church.  The Mass will be livestreamed via https://www.standrewcc.org/live-stream
 

Interment: Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to St. Andrew Catholic Church, 3312 Dryden Road, Fort Worth 76109 or Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County, 5740 Airport Freeway, Haltom City 76117

Frank was born in Fort Worth, Texas on August 21, 1931 to Frank and Lessie Bettinger. After attending Catholic elementary school, Frank graduated from Laneri High School in Fort Worth. He spent 42 years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a surveyor.

Frank met the love of his life, Elaine, in 1958 through the Cathedral Club at their church. They were married on August 20, 1960 at St. Andrew Catholic Church. All five of their children attended St Andrew Catholic School and graduated from Nolan Catholic High School.

Frank and Elaine were devout in their catholic faith and dedicated to the church, where they developed lasting friendships. This large network of friends gathered annually at the Bettinger Christmas party. Frank and Elaine also made frequent trips with friends to Las Vegas.

Frank had a passion for sports. Once his playing days were over, he engendered that competitive spirit in his kids. If Frank wasn’t coaching one of his kids’ teams, he was certainly in the bleachers cheering them on. Later he was blessed to be able to watch and cheer on his grandchildren in sports, theatre and other activities.

Frank was a kind, loving, gentle soul with a huge heart. If you needed something done, you just needed to call Frank. He volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Social Ministries, Voting Stations, Bass Hall, among others. Frank ushered Sunday mass at St. Andrew Catholic Church for over 20 years.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine, sisters, Helen VanZandt and Rose Tallas, and brother, Steve Bettinger. He is survived by his children, Julie Bettinger Kohler, Chris Bettinger, Doug Bettinger and wife, Gina, Nick Bettinger and wife, Nicole, Cindy Bettinger Benser and husband, Mike. Frank was also blessed with 10 grandchildren, Grace Kohler, Russell Kohler, Elle Swygman and husband, Jack, Brooke Bettinger, Jeno “JD” Bettinger, Meg Bettinger, Lauren Bettinger, Logan Bettinger, Andrew Benser and Tori Benser, and 2 precious great-grandchildren, Lucy and Ben Swygman.