Elizabeth A. “Betty” “Charlie” Giertz age 77 of Arkansaw, died Sunday September 7, 2014 at her home in the Township of Waterville with her loving family by her side.

Betty was born May 25, 1937 in Durand.  She was the daughter of Ingman and Clara (Keller) Lien and grew up in Arkansaw.  Betty graduated from Arkansaw High School in 1955.  Betty had five children and then she met William J. Giertz in 1968 and they had two children.  Bill and Betty were married on September 4, 1982.  During her working years, Betty worked as a Secretary for the Pepin County Office of Aging in Durand from 1977 retiring in 1999. 

Betty and Bill enjoyed their time camping at Cedar Bay Resort at Marshmiller Lake near Bloomer.  Betty loved “clearance” shopping, crocheting afghans, decorating for Christmas, cooking for all the holidays, calling her children every day; singing early birthday greetings to all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Betty’s fiery red hair suited her personality to a “T”.  Betty has several family members named after her.

Betty is survived by her husband, Bill; seven children; Bob (Sue) McDonnell of Trempealeau; Mickey (Denny) Wentworth of Arkansaw; Ron McDonnell of Arkansaw; Mary (Tony) Harmon of Arkansaw; Melinda and the late Jon Selburg, of Arkansaw; Missy (Rick) Hinrichs of Durand; Marcie Tomlinson (Ben Reeser) of Arkansaw; five step children; Terry (Rosie) Giertz, Linda (Wayne) Hogg, Bob (Linda Robinson) Giertz, Randy (Pam Purdy) Giertz all of Menomonie; Kim (Dave) Karis of Whitewater; 27 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren; a beloved brother Jim (Lavon) Lien of Janesville; special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends

She is preceded in death by her parents, a brother Bob Lien; sister Mary Lou Bauer; brother-in-law, Jerome Bauer;  sister-in-law, Carol Lien; son-in-law, Gene Gifford; a close friend, Marie Schafer.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Wednesday September 10, 2014 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Rev. Paul G. Czerwonka officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.

Condolences

1. Mike and Mary Kaye Tillmann September 24, 2014, at 7:40am

   So sorry to hear about Cousin Betty Ann's death. She was a wonderful lady. Some of my best childhood memories are of visiting her and her family at the farm.

2. Pat Rosenberg September 12, 2014, at 7:17am

   Betty was such sparkling vibrant lady. She will surely be missed. My sympathy to the family. May God comfort you in your sorrow.

3. Dave Prissel and Sharon Griffin September 10, 2014, at 11:05am

   You have our sympathy. Betty was such a wonderful lady. We always enjoyed visiting with her.

4. Rosemary Carlisle September 10, 2014, at 7:17am

   My sympathy on the loss of your beloved Betty.
   We all knew her and loved her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

5. Kristine Polzer September 9, 2014, at 7:58pm

   Our thoughts are with you all at this time of your loss. So many memories that will always be with you all.
   Sincerely, Dave & Kris Polzer

6. Joe & Jan Drier September 9, 2014, at 6:10pm

   Bill & family, Thoughts & Prayers to all of you in the loss of Betty. Our Sincere Sympathy!

7. Lynn Dickmann September 9, 2014, at 3:00pm

   To the family,
   My thoughts and prayers with you all.
   Lynn Dickmann
   High School Classmate of Kim and Dave Karis

8. John Judy parr September 9, 2014, at 7:59am

   Our sympathy is you all have great memories to keep

9. Kevin and Sue Kern September 8, 2014, at 11:46am

   Betty will be sadly missed by so many. Bill - our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family.

10. Erin (Setterlund) Baskin September 8, 2014, at 8:51am

    The stars will all shine a little brighter now with Grandma Betty among them. What a wonderful woman. My thoughts and sympathy are with you all, she will be so very missed! Our little Arkansaw valley will never be the same!

11. Roger Hillestad September 7, 2014, at 10:54pm

    Thoughts and prayers to your family and to you, Bill. I always enjoyed chatting with the two of you and she will certainly be missed by everyone who knew her.

12. Marlene Fanetti September 7, 2014, at 8:50pm

    My deepest sympathy to the family..Thoughts and prayers going out for you all at this very sad time....

13. Laurie and Jim Peterson September 7, 2014, at 8:31pm

    Bob, Sue and family, so sorry to hear about your moms passing. She lived a good life and was surrounded by many friends and family. May your memories give you comfort during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

14. Tracy & Rod Rosemeyer September 7, 2014, at 7:43pm

    With deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother/grandmother May you find comfort in the many wonderful memories you hold in your hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

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