Alan Bethke

Alan Bethke

Alan Mark Bethke "BIG BLOCK AL", age 62, of Waseca died on March 31, 2023 at his home, following a brief battle with cancer.

Born on November 2, 1960 in Waseca to Donald E. and Sharon (Calcutt) Bethke. he received much of his education at Waseca Public Schools. In his younger years, he enjoyed raising pigeons and rabbits, riding horses, playing in the hay loft, collecting hot wheels, and building model cars. In his twenties, Al lived in Colorado and California, but always considered Waseca his home. He enjoyed many trips to Sturgis for the Black Hills Motorcycle Rally. Al worked for McQuay’s, Misgen’s, Napa Auto Parts as well as owning and operating his own repair shop “Al’s Repair.”

Al had an appetite for anything that had a motor, including muscle cars, minibikes, snowmobiles, and motorcycles; this was his passion. He was the "go to" guy for anything “Big Block Chevy” as well as all other types of motors. He loved showing his cars and talking about where he found his parts. He was a muscle car savant. He enjoyed gardening and canning his produce.

Al had a heart of gold. He loved completely and unconditionally. Al was proud and stubborn, but determined. His sense of humor was witty and his ability to make an ordinary event hilarious was unchallenged. Al knew how to weave his humor into any situation, even if the joke was on him. He lived by his convictions; Al had strong beliefs and lived his life with integrity. He will be dearly missed.

Al is survived by his mother, Sharon (Larry) Reese of Owatonna; sisters: Patricia (Chad) Oehlenschlager of Alexandria, and Kim Tysdale of Owatonna; nieces: Kelly Tysdale and Cienna Turner; nephew, Adam Oehlenschlager; step sister, Tammy Reese of Arizona; aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

Preceded in death by his father, Donald E. Bethke; maternal and paternal grandparents; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at the Third Street Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca. Burial will be on a later date at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Meriden.

Everyone’s invited to bring their hot rods and enjoy a ride around Waseca in Al’s honor following the visitation.

A Celebration of Al’s Life will follow at The Mill in Waseca from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.