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Andrew J. Betts

September 13, 1945 - July 9, 2020
Charity
FRIENDS OF WAGNER FARM, LEWY BODY DEMENTIA ASSOCIATION INC, DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS (DAV) CHARITABLE SERVICE TRUST
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Andrew J. Betts, 74, of Deerfield, IL passed away on July 9, 2020.  He was the loving companion of Robin Forde; loving father of Jennifer (Dan) Czerwinski and Jason (Chanda) Betts; loving grandfather to Peter Czerwinski, Meghan Czerwinski, Ali Betts and Olivia Betts; and fond brother of Beverly Rynes.  As a proud Vietnam Veteran and retired dairy farmer, some of his happiestContinue Reading

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Paul Spanier left a message on July 20, 2020:
My condolences to Robin and Andy's family. I met Andy at Wagner Farm years ago and enjoyed his company as well as working with him. He always had some jokes and stories.Andy was a Farmall fan so we would have our arguments about tractor brands.Wagner Farm has not been the same without Andy. I miss him. He was the best!
Paul Spanier left a message on July 19, 2020:
In memory of Andrew J. Betts, Paul Spanier lit a candle
Bill Trainor left a message on July 17, 2020:
My condolences. I just found out about Andy's passing. I was with him, Will and John on the trip to FL. I have fond memories of his good humor and pleasant manner.
Kinley Kemnitz left a message on July 16, 2020:
My heart is aching to hear the news of Andy. He was my friend. He was so special and caring. He made me smile and laugh and feel good to spend time with him. I thought of him often and even this morning was wondering if he was able to have visitors yet. I am so disappointed that I did not get to say goodbye. He will always have a special place in my heart. So glad I knew him even if for a short time. My thoughts and prayers and peace to family and friends. Love Kinley
TOM POWERS left a message on July 14, 2020:
Dear Friends and Family of Andy Betts,It's hard to accept that Andy is gone. I was shocked to learn of his struggle with Dementia which must have been so hard for you all to bear. My memories of Andy are predominately when we were children, living across the alley from each other in Wilmette. We would meet in that alley every day and ride bikes, play catch, shoot baskets, run our combined Lionel/American Flyer electric trains in my basement, play for endless hours with our Matchbox cars in the dirt behind my house, creating cities and buildings and playing grownup. At his house we played with our model ships on his carpeting which seemed as big as the ocean itself. Carefully keeping the speeds to scale and creating sound effects with our mouth. FFFFFFFFFFFF I don't recall fighting with Andy at any time, but we were formidable opponents in the neighborhood acorn fights with other kids. My Mother would take us to Wilmette Beach most every day in the summer in the back seat of her convertible. If the water was above 68° it was a good day for swimming. On the way home we would sit on wet towels to tolerate the hot seats. We would often finish the day by playing "Army Men" then sleeping on our screened front porch. Sure it was safe, we hooked the screen door! Best ZZ's ever across Maple park from the EL train yard. Every weekday after New Trier, we'd get off the bus at Shorty's and walk over to Jerry's for a load of French Fries and Cherry Milk. I don't ever recall paying Jerry, God bless him. Soon we discovered girls and separated for college. But I do remember one Saturday night Andy drove us to Madison WI in Betts' beautiful 66 Chevy convertible, powder blue and white, to drive around the U of W campus playing big shots from Wilmette Illinois. We were King of the World.Eventually we were drafted into the service for Vietnam, and Andy stuck with the Army while I joined the Navy. We wrote to each other but the time lag was so great we drifted apart. But I'll never forget my childhood BEST FRIEND, Andy. Rest in Peace Brother. Your friend, TAPPER
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Peter Brown left a message on July 14, 2020:
During my early years on the Board of the FWF, I remember Andy being very creative and passionate about his volunteer work for Wagner Farm. Always friendly and with a smile on his face, he would make time for you if you need his help. Andy, you will be missed.
John Miller left a message on July 14, 2020:
Andy and I grew up together, living across the alley from each other and playing basketball in the alley behind his garage. We also played baseball and football in the park across Fourth St. Baseball was Andy's favorite sport and he did well in the Wilmette Pony League.Nobody knew that Andy was truly a wounded warrior from his Vietnam service where he described "swimming in agent orange for weeks at a time" after his return. But the illness that took him was almost certainly the result of that service to our country.We will always remember his great sense of humor and his gift of gab with fondness. And he will be missed. My sincere condolences to Robin, Beverly, Jennifer, Dan, Peter, Megan, and Jason and his family on their loss of a great Partner, Brother, Dad and Grandpa.
Wendy Browder left a message on July 14, 2020:
I am saddened to hear of Andy's death. We both grew up in the Methodist Church in Wilmette, his dad and my mom sang together in the choir, and we reconnected in our later years. I remember the tour he gave me out at Wagner Farm - it was obvious how much he loved his work there! Sending love and prayers to Robin and all his family.
Amy left a message on July 13, 2020:
Mr. Betts, as I called him, was a fixture my entire life. With our birthdays a day (and a few years) apart, we exchanged ridiculous gifts each year for several years, a tradition he started. I will treasure the humor and fun times he afforded us growing up. My deepest love goes out to Jennifer and Jason, and I will stand by them, always. Love, Amy.
Haben Funeral Home & Crematory left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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