Donald E. Betts

Donald E. Betts, 78, passed away after a lengthy illness on April 24, 2023. He was born on June 9, 1944, in Waterloo, IA, the son of Clarence and Kathryn (Smith) Betts. Don graduated from St. Thomas High School, class of 1962. He attended one year at Loyola University, Chicago campus. Joining the work force, Don discovered the magic of the computer world at a time when a computer would occupy a space roughly the size of a small gymnasium. Getting in on the ground floor of computerization, Don learned to program these punch card eating beasts eventually creating the program that was utilized by Loyola University Hospital in Maywood, IL. As computers came of age, and to keep ahead of the young programmers entering the field, Don obtained both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Always interested in airplanes, Don acquired his private pilots license in 1971, flying small craft out of Hinsdale Airport. Don also had a lifelong interest in trains, especially the Illinois Central. He collected many HO scale replicas of this railroad. Later in life, Don co-founded a K-9 rescue and adoption operation.

Survived by his brothers, Barry (Nancy Lindquist) Betts and Pat (Nancy) Betts and his sister, Carole (Mike) Lester and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents and his sister, Mary.

Memorial services will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, with Reverend William R. Wentink officiating. Burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Waterloo, IA. Memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.