BLOOMINGTON —Alan “Al” G. Bettisch, 68 of Channahon and formerly of Bloomington, Buffalo Grove, Schaumburg and Lakemoor passed away on Saturday (Nov. 28, 2015) after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home in Joliet.

Al was born in Bloomington on Aug. 24, 1947, the only child of George and Mary (Thomas) Bettisch. He graduated from Bloomington High School in 1965 and from the University of Illinois in 1969 with a degree in electrical engineering.

Al served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as an electrical specialist.

Al married Luanne Kelly on Nov. 16, 1996. Al retired in 2011 and worked part time at Home Depot until his illness.

He loved gardening, cooking, NASCAR and his two Maine Coon cats.

Al was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church in Morris where he enjoyed leading Bible studies, working in the men’s ministry and serving the community. Until the very end, Al’s faith in God was strong and he remains an inspiration to many.

Survivors include his wife, the Rev. Luanne Bettisch, Channahon; a daughter, Kristin Bettisch, Northbrook; a stepson, Shawn (Kaylee Smith) Kelly, McHenry, a stepdaughter, Colleen (Brett Finkle) Kelly, Joliet; a granddaughter, Parker Connelly-McKee of Mount Prospect; and grandsons, Paxton Connelly-McKee, Mount Prospect; and Jackson Smith, McHenry.

Al was preceded in death by his parents.

Cremation rites have been accorded and there will be no visitation.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Peace Lutheran Church, 101 Candlelight Lane, Morris, IL 60450. The Rev. Roy Backus and The Rev. Michael Thomas will officiate. Interment will follow the service on the church lawn.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorials be made to We Care of Grundy County at 530 Bedford Road, Morris, IL 60450 or Joliet Area Community Hospice at 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431.

Family and friends may sign the guest book, share photographs or view Al’s memorial page by logging onto www.ReevesFuneral.com.

Green flameless cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes Ltd. in Morris.