Noel John Bettendorf, son of John (Jack) and Ellen (Nilson) Bettendorf was born September 28, 1928 on a farm 6 miles south of Oakdale, NE. In 1934, he moved with his family to Oakdale, NE, where he received his schooling and graduated from Oakdale High School in 1946. He enlisted in the United States Army in the fall of 1946 and was stationed in Germany for two years with the Post WWII Occupation. After being honorably discharged in 1948, Noel settled in California for a couple of years before returning to Oakdale, NE.

On August 8, 1952, Noel was united in marriage with Lois Pollock at the United Methodist Church in Oakdale, NE. The couple lived in Oakdale while Noel worked for Superior Seed and Supply in Neligh, NE and later at Stringfellow’s filling station in Oakdale, NE. In January 1956, they moved to Norwalk, CA where Noel worked for Accessory Products and became their Chief Inspector. In 1971, he and his family moved back to Elgin, NE where they owned and operated the Gambles Store until 1984. He then worked for the City of Elgin until his retirement in 1993.

Noel was a member of the United Methodist Church, Elgin American Legion Post #229, Elgin Volunteer Fire Department for 15 years and was an EMT for 13 years. He enjoyed baseball, music, hunting with his sons, fishing with his friends and spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Lois of Elgin, NE; three sons: Rollie Bettendorf and wife Nancy of Norfolk, NE; Steve Bettendorf and wife Gigi of Norfolk; Mark Bettendorf and wife Beverly of Wahoo, NE; eight grandchildren; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Noel was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Marian in infancy, and a brother Robert.