Obituary for Dorothy M. Betz

Dorothy Mae Betz, 80, of La Crosse passed away Saturday, January 16, 2021, at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse, surrounded by her family. Dorothy was born August 4, 1940, in Onalaska to Oscar and Leocadia (Jaskola) Olson. She graduated from Onalaska High School in 1958. On December 7, 1962, she married Gary Betz. They had five children and later divorced. Dorothy worked several jobs over the course of her lifebecause she could truly do just about anything! She worked at ShopKo in ladies apparel; she worked as a housekeeper in a hotel; and she worked as a laborer in numerous factory settings, the most recent being at La Crosse Graphics. She didn’t retire until she was 72 years old because she was worried that she would become bored in her retirement. She loved bowling, fishing, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a long-time member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #1254 Ladies Auxiliary and the American Legion Post 52 Auxiliary; she greatly enjoyed the camaraderie of both clubs. She was an avid sports fan and especially loved the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers. She was an excellent cook, and came up with some really unique recipes (like cayenne pepper chocolate ice cream!) Survivors include her four children, Gerry (Debra) Betz of West Salem and their three children, Geoffrey (Cali) Betz of West Salem, Shelby (Sam) Stelloh of Rochester, Minnesota, and Derek Betz of Milwaukee; Julie Jamartaand her daughter, Josey of Tucson, Arizona; Janice (Eric) Bender and their daughter, Emily of Westby, and their son Emmitt (Madeline Gynild) Edwards of St Cloud, Minnesota; James Betz of La Crosse; daughter-in-law, Teresa Taylor of Madison; great-grandchildren Henry, Brody, and Rowan Betz; and a great-grandchild due this summer. She is further survived by her sisters, Jan (Dick) Nichols of Birchwood and Joan Sherouse of Ponte VedraBeach, Florida; several sisters-in-law; and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Joseph, Marie, Don, Anne Kowalke, Larry, and David; brother-in-law, Walt; and her beloved daughter, Joan. We would like to thank all of the staff at Mayo Health System that took such good care of our mother the last month of her life. Visitation will be at Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Home, 4239 Mormon Coulee Rd, La Crosse, on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 from 4:00pm-6:30pm. There will be a prayer service for extended immediate family at 7:00pm. Deacon Bob Zietlow will officiate. Please wear a mask, sanitize often, and social distance at the visitation. Memorials may be directed to the WAFER Food Pantry.