Elizabeth “Bette” Ann Bertschi, age 95 of Walnut Grove, passed away Monday, April 18, 2022 at Westbrook Good Samaritan Care Center. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 22, 2022 at United Methodist Church in Walnut Grove. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church on Friday. Interment will be in the Walnut Grove Cemetery. Stephens Funeral Service – Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Elizabeth “Bette” Ann (Borchert) Bertschi was born November 21, 1926 to Roland and Anna (Grems) Borchert in Mapleton, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed at the United Church of Mapleton. Bette graduated from Mapleton High School and continued her education at the University of Minnesota. She then worked as a dental hygienist in Mapleton and Mankato. On May 15, 1947, she married the love of her life, Sam Bertschi, in Mapleton. The couple moved to Walnut Grove, where Sam taught Industrial Arts, Junior High Math and coached football. In 1949, they moved to the farm east of Walnut Grove, where they were blessed with six children. Delite Anderson joined the Bertschi family in 1967. Bette was very active in the United Methodist Church of Walnut Grove. She taught Sunday School, Bible School, she organized the “Busy Bees” girls’ club, and the “Back Door” teen center. Bette also was a den mother for Cub and Boy Scouts and enjoyed attending the children’s sports and musical activities at school. Bette worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 16 years. Bette and Sam were partners in farming and providing a strong moral compass for the children. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, needlepoint, crafting, reading, and jigsaw puzzles. Bette loved spending time with her family, especially her grandkids.
Elizabeth is survived by her children: Barbara (David) Voymas of Swanzey, NH, Mary Jo (Jef) Olson of Faribault, Jeff (JoAnn) of Walnut Grove, Roland “Bud” of Brainerd, Tim (Barb) of Fargo, ND, Peggy Gullikson of Lincoln, NE, & Delite (Charlie) Anderson-Lester of Des Moines, IA; 17 grandchildren; 49 great grandchildren; 7 great great grandchildren; siblings: Bud, Peggy, Neva, Bill and Jerry; and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Sam, six brothers: Dave, Chuck, Ed, John, Tom & Joe, and two sisters: Helen and Alyce.
