Gerald William Bettenhausen Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Gerald William Bettenhausen, 64, of Fort Collins, died at home on Tuesday, May 12, 2020. Known as Jerry, or Big Jer to many, he was well loved and will be missed. Jerry was born in Joliet, Illinois on September 3, 1955 to parents Albert and Bernadine Bettenhausen. He grew up in New Lenox, IL and graduated from Lincoln Way High School. He also attended South Suburban College and then went to work as a paralegal at Modern Drop Forge in Blue Island, IL. Jerry, his wife Denny, and their two daughters then moved to Colorado. He continued his career in law, working for Darrel S. Elliot, Bryan “Bulldog” Moore, then Metier Law Firm, where he was always treated well. Big Jer was a legend. He was good at all sports – golf, skiing, shooting, softball, baseball...bowling…you name it, he could beat you at it. He loved John Wayne, Better Call Saul, National Lampoons, stupid TV judge shows, South Park, and Quentin Tarantino movies. He loved Indy car racing (he’s related to Tony & Gary Bettenhausen, the Indy drivers). Jerry is survived by his daughters, Harmonie Bettenhausen and Melody Bettenhausen; grandchildren Sophia Rose and Zachary Asher Glinsman; mother, Bernadine Bettenhausen; sister, Lisa Burns and her husband Terry Burns; niece and nephew Max and Tess Burns; so many friends; and his golden retrievers, Sadie and Zach. He was preceded in death by his father, Albert Bettenhausen, and all the golden retrievers he loved before. Services are being planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Ensight Skills Center at http://ensightskills.org/donate or Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies at https://www.goldenrescue.com/donate-golden-retriever-rescue-colorado/ Big Jer was loved…he was a fierce supporter of his children and grandchildren…and anyone who needed help. He made us laugh always and we will forever have stories. He will be missed. A memorial for Jerry will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2020 – from 12pm to 3pm. This will take place at Melody’s house: 960 White Ash Court, Loveland 80538. Please email or call Melody with questions: 970-310-9665 or melody@ensightskills.org