Wilhelmina Schilling Betterley, 99, of Red Wing, died Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at the Sunset Home in Kenyon. She was born April 29, 1918, in Florence Township, to Harvey and Wilhelmina (Getschman) Roper. She was united in marriage to Luvern Schilling on August 6, 1938. Luvern died in 1977 and she later remarried Richard Betterley on March 16, 1981. Richard died in 1992.
Over the years, Wilhelmina lived several places including Pittsburg, PA, Lake City, Red Wing, Zumbrota and Kenyon, MN. She had resided at Potters Ridge in Red Wing for 8 years and had enjoyed being in their singing group. Her employment included domestic work in California, a bookkeeper for their appliance business in Lake City, the Red Wing Shoe Company and as a chef at Larry's Broiler in Red Wing.
She was a member of First Covenant Church in Red Wing and was their oldest member. She belonged to the women's bible study group, Merry Morning Circle, and the ladies aid. She was also a member of the VFW Burnson Lillyblad #1218 Auxiliary for over 30 years and had been a long-time member and benefactor of the Red Wing YMCA. Wilhelmina loved to travel-having visited 38 states, and also enjoyed fishing, baking, dancing and playing cards, especially cribbage. She loved jewelry and had always worn a different pin on her uniform at work and had a collection of fun hats she liked to wear and always looked great in them.
She is survived by children, Janice (Vernon) Olson of Welcome, Robert Schilling of St. Paul, Nancy (Steven) Swanson of Sioux Falls, SD, Barbara (Gregg) Westby of Maiden Rock, WI and a step-son, Brent Betterley of Castle Rock; last surviving sibling of 9, Hazel Dettmer of Zumbrota; 19 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 husbands, 7 siblings, Luella Pflaum, Esther Zemke, Olga Earney, Louise Kahl, Earl, Ralph and Harry Roper; 2 sons, Gerald and James Schilling and a grandson, Garrett Westby.
Funeral service will 11 a.m. Monday, May 22, 2017, at First Covenant Church with Rev. Marc Eix officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Lake City. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are preferred to the VFW Burnson Lillyblad #1218 Auxiliary. Arrangements handled by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel.
Visitation
MAY
22.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CDT)
First Covenant Church
2302 Twin Bluff Rd
Red Wing, MN 55066
Service
MAY
22.
11:00 AM (CDT)
First Covenant Church
2302 Twin Bluff Rd
Red Wing, MN 55066