Joseph L. Betlinski was born November 23, 1890 in the county of Skierki, Poland. He was raised in the parish of Prasnyszu, Poland until his father's death scattered the family when Joseph was twelve. Betlinski came to the United States at age twenty, and later served in the Army during World War I. Following the war, he attended Holy Trinity High School in Chicago, a Franciscan seminary in Wisconsin, and Ss. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, Michigan. Betlinski was ordained a priest on June 10, 1933. He served in various Polish parishes throughout Wisconsin prior to his retirement, including St. Michael's in Beaver Dam and St. Casimir's and St. Barbara's in Milwaukee. In addition, Reverend Betlinski actively worked with youth groups and Polish organizations. He served as chaplain for Polish veterans' groups and chapters of the Polish Roman Catholic Union organized and advised troops of Polish Boy Scouts and Future Priests' Clubs, and was active in the Polish Book Club and Polish-American Information Service. Father Betlinski also supported the Republican Party and its candidates, and corresponded with politicians, and wrote and published articles and sermons on political subjects. Among his favorite topics were the plight of Poland and the dangers of communism.
