CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. -- Jerry Beetz, one of the founders of the Speednet Direct race management software, passed away Tuesday at his home after a lengthy battle with cancer.

“He was fortunate to have the cancer discovered at a very early stage and begin receiving treatment that allowed him to live a full life - even golfing twice a week through the first year, which was his real passion,” said co-founder Kevin Spiddle. “Unfortunately, the cancer finally got the upper hand.

“It was my honor to have Jerry as a business partner. There was none better, and we will miss him greatly. I was fortunate enough to be able to spend a few hours with him on Saturday and we had a few good laughs. His mind was as sharp as ever but his body just gave out.

“Please keep his wife, Angie, his children and grandchildren in your prayers.”

If you would like to send condolences to the family the mailing address is 10436 Sandtrap Dr., Spring Hill, FL 34608.

Obituary
Gerald W. Beetz, 70, of Spring Hill, Fla., passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2013. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Alvin O. Beetz and Muriel Nobman. He was an engineer for AT&T many years. In the early 1970s he moved to New Jersey and raised his family before moving to Florida 22 years ago. After retiring, he developed software for Speednet Direct. Gerald was an avid golfer and loved to manage and coach the little league baseball teams. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Patricia Hutter. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Angela Beetz; sons Thomas J. Beetz and wife Kimberly; Robert J. Beetz and wife Nicole; daughter Linda Beetz; brother Alvin H. Beetz and wife Angela; and six grandchildren. Visitation will be 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8, at Grace Memorial Funeral Home in Hudson, Fla. Funeral mass will be 9 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 9, at St. Mary Our Lady of Sorrow in Masaryktown, Fla. Burial will follow to Grace Memorial Gardens in Hudson. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to HPH Hospice Foundation Donation Department, 12107 Majestic Blvd., Hudson, FL 34667-2455.