Steven “Steve” Eugene Betzold passed away from lung cancer on August 18, 2024, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Nampa with his daughter, Vivian, at his bedside.
Steve was born in Emmett, Idaho on July 5, 1946, to his parents Wallace “Gene” and Harriett “Vivian” Betzold. Steve was Gene and Vivian’s first born. He was a big brother to six more kids born after him. Steve grew up in Emmett and attended Emmett schools. He was proud of his family and close with his parents and younger siblings. At the age of 17 he joined the United States Army. After he was honorably discharged in December 1964, he made his way back to Idaho. The details and timeline of his life following his time in the army are not easy to piece together, as Steve did not spend much time focusing on and sharing details about his past. Steve also had a bit of a restless nature about him and lived in far too many places to name and had too many jobs and relationships to recount. His longest relationship was with Virginia, whom he was with for 20 years. He had three daughters with Virginia, Tina, Vivian, and Stephanie, and was also a stepfather to Tad, Lena, Stacey, and Steven. After his time with Virginia, his restless nature took him to many different places and jobs, including some time spent living in Nevada and working in a mine. Eventually, Steve made his way back to Idaho and settled down in Payette for the last several years of his life.
Though his vocation and living arrangements changed often, some things remained a constant in his life. If you knew him or even knew of him you knew he loved to fish, eat Chinese food, spend time with his siblings, and talk about his daughters. He spent many weekends in Cascade at his family’s property with his two youngest daughters. He continued to fish throughout the years until he was no longer physically able to do so.
Despite Steve’s restless nature, he made lasting impressions on everyone he met. He had an unforgettable boisterous laugh and a quick-witted, though sometimes crass and offensive, sense of humor. He had a larger-than-life personality and could never enter or be present in a room without being noticed. It is probably safe to say that those who knew him in this lifetime have remembered him and will always remember him for the good and bad times and everything in between. Those closest to him in his final years will especially remember his determination and resilience while experiencing the many health challenges he had in the last several years of his life. He never let on to the severity of his challenges and never stopped fighting. Special thanks to Holly, his caregiver of many years, who walked with him through these challenges, accompanied him to many appointments and procedures, and provided him with companionship during this time.
Steve is survived by his daughters Tina Gibson (Mike), Vivian Allman (Tom), and Stephanie Betzold; his four grandchildren Ryan Gibson (Niccole), Nicole Reutzel, Athena Doan, and Nora and Seth Allman. And four great grandchildren Logan and KayLea Gibson, and Sabriel and Odin Reutzel. Steve is also survived by his brothers Fred Betzold (Susan) and Brad Betzold, and sister Gina Ownby (Teri), as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Gene and Vivian Betzold, brother Randy Betzold, and sisters Brenda Betzold and Bonnie Barkley.
A small service for Steve will be held at the Idaho State Veteran’s Cemetery on Monday, September 23, 2024, at 11:00 am. The cemetery recommends arriving 15 minutes prior to service.