Charles H. Betts, Jr. Obituary

After a wonderful life, Charles H. Betts, Jr., died from amyloidosis at Scottish Rite Park, Des Moines, Iowa on September 1, 2024. Chuck believed that his entire life was a giant wave of good luck that he had the privilege to ride.

Charles Howard Betts, Jr’s lucky streak began in Chicago, IL on December 2, 1932, when he was born to Dolly and Charlie Betts and joined sister Mary. The Betts Family moved from Chicago to Detroit to Birmingham, MI, and in 1947, as luck would have it, the Betts family moved to Des Moines, IA. That fall Chuck started his sophomore year at Theodore Roosevelt High School, where his lucky streak continued when he met Janet Davies, leading to a lifetime love affair.

After graduating high school, Chuck went to the University of Michigan. He visited Janet at the Kappa House at Drake University as often as possible. After graduating from Michigan, he enlisted in the US Army and served during the Korean Conflict. On June 19, 1954, Chuck and Janet were married at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Beaverdale. They were blessed with four children: Laurie, Barb, Sarah and Charley. Later in life, Chuck said that his children were, “living proof of how lucky I am. They are well-grounded, unselfish, accomplished and independent thinkers.”

Following in his father’s footsteps, Chuck took the reins at Betts Cadillac in 1965. Under his stewardship, the business flourished, becoming one of the top Cadillac dealerships in the nation and earning accolades such as General Motors’ highest award for customer satisfaction, the Iowa Time Quality Dealer Award and the Better Business Bureau’s Integrity Award. Never relishing in the limelight, his motto became, “quietly, doing things very well.”

As a celebrated leader in the community, he served as president of many organizations including the Des Moines Club, Wakonda Club, Des Moines Rotary Club, the Reciprocity Club, Cadillac National Dealer Council and General Motors Presidents Council. He served as a board member for several businesses including First Interstate Bank, Amerus Bank, Hawkeye Life Insurance, AIB College of Business, Iowa Auto Dealers and Buena Vista College. He served on the boards of various civic organizations including United Way of Central Iowa, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Urban Dreams, Civic Center of Des Moines, Goodwill Industries of Central Iowa, Salvation Army, Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Youth Homes of Mid-America (Ellipsis), Mercy Foundation and Westminster Presbyterian Church Session and Foundation.

Chuck’s community involvement was extensive and he was continually motivated to make our city a better place. He enjoyed teaching classes at Grandview College, Drake University and DMACC.

Chuck’s professional success was matched only by his quiet generosity. He was deeply committed to helping those in need and supported countless causes and initiatives. He led the fundraising campaign for the DMACC auto mechanics building, which was named in his honor. He was proud to play a pivotal role in raising funds for the Roosevelt High School renovation project. His belief in the importance of giving back was a cornerstone of his life, reflecting his core value that by helping others, we enrich our own lives.

Outside of his professional and philanthropic efforts, Chuck was an avid sports enthusiast (and believed that his good health was partially due to good luck) and was grateful it allowed him to enjoy many of his favorite things. His passions included golf, tennis, water skiing, snow skiing, scuba diving and any activity with his children, grandchildren or great grandchildren. In his words, he was not exceptional at any of these, but accomplished enough to win the Gold Medal in the Iowa Senior Olympics in golf, tennis singles and tennis doubles. Cherished moments spent in Arizona and at their Minnesota lake house with his family and friends were highlights of his life, reflecting his deeply held belief in living fully and embracing the joys of life.

Chuck’s true love and joy in life was his wife, partner and best friend, Janet. None of his life’s accomplishments would be possible without her by his side. His life was a testament to his unwavering faith, dedication to family and commitment to bettering his community. His humility and quiet strength were evident in every aspect of his life. He embodied the principle that caring for others enriches one’s own life, a lesson he lived with grace and integrity.

His story is one of enduring love and selfless service. His spirit will continue to inspire and guide those who knew him. Whether you’re saying, “rulus prulus” to make you smile for the camera or you see someone “quietly doing things very well,” you will know Chuck Betts is spreading his good luck.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Dorotha and Charles Betts, sister, Mary Adrianse and his wife of 69 years, Janet. He is survived his children, Laurie (Ashley) Sloterdyk, Barbara (Andy) Nish, Sarah (Andy) Susanin and Charley (Linette) Betts. He also leaves grandchildren, Kate (Dustin) Mead, Annie (Matt) Brandt, Peter Sloterdyk (Cameron Shepherd), Charley Nish (Kate Strever), Rachel Nish (Tuan Anh Nguyen), Emily (Mason) Kessinger, Sam Susanin (Brenna Fujimoto), Joe (Sarah) Betts and Will Betts (Olive Crowley); seven great-grandchildren, Lily and Elizabeth Mead, Betts and Eloise Brandt, Hughes and Edie Kessinger, Ava Betts and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

Chuck’s life will be celebrated Monday, September 9, 2024 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4114 Allison Ave., Des Moines. Fellowship with the family will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the service to follow at 10:30 a.m. The service will be livestreamed here: https://www.westpres.org/watch-live or to view following the service you may go to https://www.youtube.com/@westminsterpresbyterianchu9492.
Memorials may be made to the Betts Foundation to support local non-profit organizations, c/o RIA Advisory Group, 500 SW 7th Street, Suite 204, Des Moines, Iowa 50309 or to a charity of the giver’s choice.

Finally, consider following Chuck’s daily advice to his children: “Don’t forget to do something nice for someone today!”

Arrangements by Iles Dunn's Chapel.

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