Irene Emma Betcher

Irene Emma Betcher, 94, died Thursday February 10, 2011 at her home in Goodhue. She was born on January 23, 1917 in Goodhue Township, the daughter of Henry and Emma (Sharpen) Gerdes. She attended Immanuel Lutheran School in Hay Creek. She married Carl Betcher on August 8, 1946 at Immanuel Lutheran Church. The couple farmed in Belvidere Township until their retirement in 1991, when they moved to Goodhue. Carl died April 15, 2003. Irene was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Belvidere. She enjoyed farming, gardening, cooking, walking, music, crocheting, and visiting with friends and family.

She is survived by her children, William (Judy) Betcher of Cannon Falls, Paul (Linda) Betcher of Goodhue, Curtis (Kathi) Betcher of Gillette, WY, David (Kay) Betcher of Goodhue, Larry (Krista) Betcher of Northfield, and Ruth Betcher of Rochester; eleven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Hilbert (Irene) Gerdes of Red Wing; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl; parents; one infant grandson; one brother and four sisters.

Funeral will be 11:00 a.m. Monday February 14, 2011 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Belvidere with Reverend Scott Fiege officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter's Lutheran Church Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. on Sunday February 13, 2011 at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel. www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com