On Tuesday, October 11, 2016, of Silver Spring, MD. Beloved husband of the late Jerry Josephine Bethke and the late Clara Bethke; father of Roger, James and the late Joan; grandfather of T.J., Jeb, Rob, Dan, James, Jr., Johannah and Alexander; stepfather of Anthony, Paul, Lisa, Maria and the late Michael; brother-in-law of Audrey. Also survived by eight grandchildren. Ave was the co-owner of Bethke Brothers, Inc. for 50 years, one of the first design-build residential construction firms in the Washington Metropolitan area, started in the 1950s. Relatives and friends may call at Christ Congregational Church UCC, 9525 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, 20901, Sunday, October 16 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., where a Funeral Service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Interment Parklawn Memorial Park, Rockville, MD on Monday, October 17 at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Congregational Church.