Dr. Brian Dean Betts

Dr. Brian Dean Betts, age 60, passed away suddenly on September 21, 2026, at home. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, brother, doctor, teacher, and friend whose life was defined by compassion, curiosity, positivity, and a genuine desire to help others.

Survivors include his wife, Allison; daughter, Devyn; son, Colin, all from St. Paul, MN; sister Brenda (Russ) Gausman from Lincoln, NE; nieces Breanna (Colten) Shaw from Sterling, NE; and Renee Gausman from Lincoln, NE; great-nieces Kinslee, Kollyns, and Kwynn Shaw; mother-in-law Sheila Hines from St. Paul, MN; sister-in-law Nicole (Jason) Hanson from Livermore, CO; niece Chelsey Hines from Fort Collins, CO; and many extended family.

Preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Deanna Betts; and father-in-law, David Hines.

Brian was born on April 2nd, 1966 in Oakland, NE, to Donald and Deanna Betts. He grew up in Lyons, and Plainview, Nebraska, where he learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and serving others from an early age. As a young boy, he delivered newspapers, mowed lawns, worked on farms, and took on various jobs. He was also an active student and athlete, participating in football, basketball, track, golf, baseball, band, choir, theater, and speech.

He attended Dana College in Blair, Nebraska, where he became a four-year letter winner in both football and baseball. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and General Science with a minor in Chemistry before moving to Minnesota to attend Northwestern College of Chiropractic, where he earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 1992. During this time, he also earned a black belt in karate and played softball.

Brian loved watching and playing sports. His roots ran deep for his enduring love for his home state and grew up a Husker, Minnesota Vikings, and Twins fan. In later years he played passionately on a baseball team, the Apple Valley A's. He had developed many long-lasting friends there and traveled to Florida in the summer. He was a golfer as well. He was able to travel one year to Hilton head North Carolina, which was a big highlight. Playing sports, he believed taught leadership and a sense of teamwork, extending this to his two children. Both participated in baseball and swimming at a young age. He coached Colin in recreational basketball and watched many of his football games and his daughter Devyns softball and volleyball games. This gave him a lot of joy.

Brian devoted more than 30 years to chiropractic and was deeply passionate about health, healing, and helping others live healthier lives. He continued to pursue education throughout his career, including advanced training in acupuncture and corrective exercise. To Brian, being a doctor was more than a profession; it was a way of life. His empathy, calm nature, and genuine care for his patients allowed him to touch countless lives.

Brian was lighthearted, selfless, caring, and supportive. He loved cooking, playing baseball and golf, and watching sports. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors, including hunting and fishing with his father-in-law, David Hines, alongside Ozzy, the family's beloved yellow Labrador and a cherished part of the family's life.

Above all, Brian cherished his family. He met Allison 1996, then married on June 2, 2001. Together they shared 25 years of marriage and raised their two children, Devyn and Colin. Brian loved being a husband and father and was happiest when he was with his family. As his children grew up, he enjoyed spending time with them at outings and events, watching movies, solving puzzles, playing board games, and the countless everyday moments that became lasting memories. He was always there when his children needed help with school, wanted to learn something new, or needed guidance through life. He was incredibly proud to watch Devyn and Colin pursue higher education and begin building their own paths in life.

Brian's life was one of love, learning, service, and family. He leaves behind a legacy not only through the many people he helped as a doctor, but also through the family he loved so deeply and the values that he lived every day. He will be remembered for his kindness, humor, knowledge, generosity, and unwavering willingness to be there for the people he loved.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

A Memorial will be held honoring Brian on Friday, November 6th, at The Dakota Lodge

1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul MN 55118

Visitation will start at 1:00pm, with a service to follow at 2:00pm

Memories shared, with Food and Reception to follow until 5:00pm

Please direct all memorials to family.