BETTE STURGIS

Bette Jane Sturgis (Schafhauser), age 79, passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord on October 2, 2009 following a 2 year long courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Appleton on January 20, 1930, daughter of the late Anna (Fux) and Herman Schafhauser. Bette married Harrison Sturgis, Jr. on May 8, 1954 and they recently celebrated 55 years together. She enjoyed being a wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. Bette was known for her infectious smile. She held a strong faith in God her entire life and God was always faithful to her. Bette enjoyed many hobbies such as rock gardening, crafts, sewing, crocheting, going to flea markets, collecting antiques, refinishing and reupholstering furniture, cooking, and playing card games with family and friends. She also had a love for dogs and cats. Bette was employed in the main office of Kimberly Clark upon graduation from high school, and later trained as a vari-typist. After her youngest child graduated from high school, she was employed in the office of Bergstrom Paper and then P.H. Glatfelter Co. Bette was an active member of Christ the Rock Community Church and the Neenah-Menasha Elks Club. Survivors include her husband, Harrison; 5 children: Dr. Laura Sturgis, Hawaii, Dr. Mark Sturgis (Mary), Connecticut, Mike Sturgis, Neenah, Lisa Sturgis (husband, Joe Jackels) Kaukauna, and Tina Radosevich, Ohio; 9 grandchildren: Lindsey, Stephanie, Ashley, Cristi and Erin Sturgis, Joshua and Tyler Heuer, and Justin and Josie Radosevich; and 3 great-grandchildren: Zoe, Landon and Morgan Sturgis. Other survivors include 2 brothers: Paul (Milly) Schafhauser, Oshkosh; James (Bea) Schafhauser, Appleton; 1 sister, Gertrude Krueger, Appleton; 2 brother-in-laws: James (LaVerne) Sturgis, Neenah, and Jack Sturgis (special friend Midge), Neenah; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bette was preceded in death by her parents; her parents in-law, Hazel H. (Erdmann) and Harrison I. Sturgis, Sr.; brother-in-laws, Harold Krueger and Jerry Sturgis; former sister-in-laws, Jeanne Cronce and Donna Mattek; and niece, Linda Kasten. The celebration of Bettes life will be held at 11:00 am at Christ the Rock Community Church, W6254 Hwy 10-114, Menasha, on Saturday, October 10, 2009 with Pastor Rich Engle officiating. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9:00 am until the time of service. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Neenah. In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established for Shepherds Care Community Outreach. The family would like to thank the staff of Heartland Home Health Care & Hospice, DePere, for their wonderful care and concern, and especially Barbie, Elma and Lisa.