Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Buck

Betty Buck, 80, of Zumbrota, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her husband and daughters on July 16, 2021, following complications from metastatic breast cancer.

Elizabeth Ann (Betty) Hanson was born February 2, 1941, in Benson, Minnesota, the daughter of Chester and Ellen (Kvam) Hanson. She graduated from Benson High School in 1959 and from the University of Minnesota in 1963, with a B.S. degree in home economics education. On June 29, 1963, she married Donnell Buck at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Benson, MN.

Betty’s strong work ethic, talents, passions, and fine attention to detail shined in her wide variety of jobs over the years. She taught home economics at Kellogg Jr. High School in Rochester from 1963-1965. Mrs. Buck was a substitute teacher at Zumbrota and area schools for 10 years, worked at the Zumbrota News-Record for three years, and served as church secretary for five years. For 15 years she was employed at Zumbrota-Mazeppa Middle School as an educational assistant. She combined her love for driving on country roads and completing detailed forms while working as an enumerator for Minnesota Agriculture Statistics Service for 23 years. Betty’s talents of sewing, baking and embroidery led her to be a judge of 4-H and open class exhibits at county fairs for many years, and co-superintendent of the Needle Arts Dept. at the Goodhue Co. Fair for 25 years.

Her involvement with community and volunteer groups gave her the opportunity to share her insights and experiences. She was a member of the Cross Country Gals - Goodhue Co. Home Study Group and a former leader of the Golden Gophers 4-H Club. She was also a Reach to Recovery volunteer for the American Cancer Society.

Betty’s other interests included genealogy research and contests. She created extensive family trees of both her and her husband’s families of Norwegian, Swedish and German heritage. She loved entering (and winning) radio and newspaper contests and competitions. She was awarded countless ribbons from local fairs for her embroidery work, sewing, baked goods, and hobby collections. Betty was featured twice in the Post Bulletin Christmas cookie recipe contests. She also kept her mind sharp with word puzzles, Sudoku, and was the ultimate Scrabble competitor.

Mrs. Buck is survived by her husband, Don; three daughters - Donna (Todd) Roth of Henderson, NV, Diane (Brian) Hokanson of Cannon Falls, and Julie (Dan) Hokanson of Shakopee; nine grandchildren - Brooks Roth, Linnea (Robin) Butler, Talia Roth; Kelsey (Terrence) Maeschen, Eric (Maddie) Hokanson, Tess Hokanson; Casey, Blake, and Colin Hokanson; two great-grandchildren - Maren Maeschen and Brent Hokanson; and a brother, Warren (Laura) Hanson of Slayton, MN. Her parents and brother, Peter Hanson, preceded her in death.

Many thanks to family members and friends for the kindness and support given during her battle with cancer. Special thanks to Daniela, Joann, and Cory with Seasons Hospice of Rochester and Pastor Schoch of Christ Lutheran Church for their comforting visits.

Visitation will be at Mahn Family Funeral Home in Zumbrota on Thursday, August 5 from 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Memorial service will be at Christ Lutheran Church in Zumbrota on Friday, August 6 at 11:00 a.m.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Memorials given to the family will be used for a memorial bench in her name at the Goodhue Co. Fairgrounds. They may also be given to the Zumbrota Library or the Zumbrota Area Historical Society.