F. Betzler Donald

Donald F. Betzler, age 73, of 8616 State Route 96, died unexpectedly on Monday, January 26, 2014 at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca.

Don was born on August 15, 1941 in Ithaca, a son of the late Donald C. and C. Louise (Stilwell) Betzler. He graduated from Interlaken Central School in 1959, and received his bachelors degree in Agricultural Engineering from Cornell University in 1963. He worked the Betzler Farm for several years, and in 1968, he became the owner of the family business, which had been formed in the 1940❜s, Interlaken Equipment, specializing in John Deere sales and service. He was still operating the business at the time of his death. Don was an active member of the Interlaken Historical Society, and played a large role in the Plow Days each year. He was a director of the Finger Lakes 2-cylinder Club and a member of the NY Steam Engine Assoc. Don was proud of his Interlaken heritage, and worked diligently for the Interlaken Alumni Assoc.

Don is survived by his son, Matt (Michelle Miller) Betzler of Pavilion, NY; his longtime companion, Kathy Dey, and her children, Jay (Lorie) Dey of Ovid, Jill (Dave McMillan) Passmonte of Romulus and Kathy❜s grandchildren, Ben,and Emily Dey, Kate (Alex) Morgan, Bragon Passamonte and Maggie McMillan; a brother, Bob (Phyllis) Betzler of Interlaken and their family.

The family will receive friends for a Memorial Reception at the Ginny Lee Café in Lodi, on Saturday, January 31, 2015 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Kindly consider a donation to the NY Steam Engine Association, 3349 Gehan Road, Canandaigua, NY 14424, or the Finger Lakes 2-cylinder Club, c/o Cheryl Jensen, 1885 Scoon Road, Geneva, NY 14456, in Don❜s memory.