Reva Bethke

Reva Bethke, 90, of Merrifield, passed away on October 6, 2023.

Reva was born on June 17, 1933, in Longville, MN to Walter and Freda (Perlenfein) Lilyquist. After High School graduation Reva worked as a bookkeeper. Gary and Reva met and fell in love and soon after were married on November 13, 1964, in Sioux Falls. Together they had nine children. Reva enjoyed gardening, playing with her grandchildren, traveling, and evening cocktail cruises on the pontoon. Reva brought such joy to her family and friends. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Reva is survived by her husband Gary; children Penny (Joseph) Kletschka, Sandra (Kip) Gohde, Meghan Bethke, Jaida Sumudra, Alexandra (Greg Walbroehl) Bethke, and Sabrina (Gary Brick) Greensea; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sister Janet Brown; and sister-in-laws Marilyn Lilyquist and LaDonna Lilyquist. She is preceded in death by her parents Walter and Freda Lilyquist; daughter Debra Bethke and grandson Brandon Bethke, daughter Theresa Oxendale; son Bradley Bethke; and eight siblings.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday October 21, 2023 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm at The Gathering in Crosslake: 34212 Co. Rd. 3, Crosslake MN 56442. A private interment will be at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN on Monday October 23^rd.

Arrangements have been entrusted with Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.

Plans have been made with Brainerd Floral, 218-829-3333 or 800-352-8970, to deliver flowers to The Gathering Center.