Richard W. Betti

Richard “Dick” Betti, 89, of Appleton, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, at Cherry Meadows Hospice, surrounded by his loving family.

Dick was born on June 22, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late William and Bernice (Clausen) Betti. His family later moved to Appleton, where he graduated from Appleton High School in 1955. After briefly attending college, Dick returned home to care for his ailing father. Following his father's passing, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served his country, including time stationed in Korea. He often spoke fondly of his military service, especially learning to ski while stationed in Colorado.

After returning home, Dick married his beloved wife, Joyce (Gieschen) Betti, on August 8, 1966. Together, they built a home in Appleton and raised their family.

He devoted the same love and dedication to his work, turning his passion for cars into a successful career as an auto mechanic before partnering with his friend Bill Fulton to establish Fulton's Service Center in Appleton. He valued the friendships he built with coworkers and customers, many of whom remained close throughout his life.

Outside of work, Dick loved building and fixing things. Whether working on cars, building canoes, restoring boats, or tackling projects in the garage (or basement, or backyard), he was happiest with tools in hand. He was also an active member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), and his family cherished their annual trips to AirVenture in Oshkosh.

Some of the family's favorite memories were made at the cottage, where Dick taught his children and grandchildren to fish and spent countless hours towing them around the lake. More than anything, he treasured time with his family.

Dick is survived by his two sons, Douglas (Dawn) Betti of Owatonna, Minnesota, and Michael (Stephanie) Betti of Shoreview, Minnesota; six grandchildren, Lisette (Christian), Jonathan, Lauren (Drake), Joseph, Maya, and Matthew; and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joyce; his infant daughter, Kristin; and his parents, William and Bernice Betti.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior Street, Appleton. A private burial will take place at Highland Memorial Park.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Cherry Meadows Hospice, ThedaCare Medical Center, ThedaCare Hospice, and Rennes Rehabilitation Center for the compassionate care they provided during Dick's final weeks. Memorial contributions may be made to Cherry Meadows Hospice or ThedaCare Hospice in his memory.