January 14, 1936 - October 27, 2023
Elizabeth (Betty) Becker Berte was born Jan. 14, 1936, to Mathew and Justine (Bormann) Becker, the eighth of 14 children. She was united in marriage to Vernon (Bitz) Berte, her Bitzie Boy, on Jan. 2, 1957.
They farmed northeast of St. Joe until retiring in St. Joe in 2000. After her children were older, she went back to work. She worked at the lunch program at Garrigan High School for many years and loved her time there. Those students were spoiled as they had some type of fresh, homemade bread or rolls every day.
Betty was happiest when she was busy. She raised six kids on the farm, had a huge garden, was an excellent seamstress, learned how to decorate cakes, knit and macrame. Each of the grandkids received a handmade quilt when they were born and another when they graduated high school. She played in a few card clubs over the years, and loved to spend time playing golf with her family and friends. Betty was actively involved in the school, the parish, and the CDA. She was a wonderful cook and baker. Her potato salad, fresh baked rolls and cinnamon rolls were legendary.
She died Oct. 27 at Good Samaritan in Algona at the age of 87. Mass of the Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday Oct. 31 at the Divine Mercy Catholic Parish – St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Joseph. Visitation was from 4-6 p.m. Monday at the Church with a 3:45 p.m. rosary. Burial took place in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Betty’s service was livestreamed on the Lentz Funeral Home website
She is survived by her husband, Bitz Berte and her children; Marilyn Schuneman (Don) of Omaha, Marj Froehlich (Bill) of Youngsville, La., Dwaine (Marilyn) of Algona, Darrell (Jan) of Camp Verde, Ariz., Ann Kockler (Tony) of Clear Lake and Melissa Krieps (Ted) of Wesley; 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.