BETTE CHRISTENSEN

Bette Lou Christensen was born April 18, 1928 to Bernet “Bud” and Etha (Helgeson) Anderson, at Theda Clark Hospital. Bette attended Larsen and Grandview schools, and graduated as Valedictorian of the Winneconne High School Class of 1946. She married Clifford James Christensen at Grace Lutheran Church of Winchester on July 31, 1948.

After high school, she was employed by an Oshkosh law firm. While Clifford attended Iowa State University, Bette worked in a bank in Ames, Iowa. She was later a long-time employee of Kimberly-Clark in Neenah, and a lifelong resident of the Winchester-Larsen area.

Bette and Clifford enjoyed wintering for many years in Elfrida, Arizona, in the home they built themselves. Bette dedicated her life to serving, and to showing hospitality and fairness to others. She was active in many service groups at Grace Lutheran Church, Calvary Bible Church of Neenah, and First Baptist Church of Sunizona, AZ. Bette was a voracious reader. She enjoyed sewing, baking, and spending time with her family. Her grandchildren will remember fondly many happy hours spent singing and playing board games with her.

Bette died on October 13, 2017 at the Valley VNA. She is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Clifford, her four children and their spouses, Ann and Charles Malmquist of Appleton, Chris and Mary Christensen of Neenah, John and Jane Christensen of Sierra Vista, AZ, and Carole and Carl Olson of Larsen; her nine grandchildren Sarah (Richard Row), Deanna and Sonia Malmquist, David and Laura Christensen, Joann (Scott) Kibbey and Kathryn Christensen, Caleb and Cali Olson; her two great-grandchildren Madelyn Grace and Bridget Faith Kibbey; nephews Dr. Mark Bigalke and Allan Siem, and nieces Jill Szamocki and Kay Merkel. She was preceded in death by her parents, her dear sister Doris Bigalke, brother-in-law Emil Bigalke, and sister- and brother-in-law Mildred and Andrew Siem.

The Memorial Service for Bette will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home, 205 W. Doty Avenue, Neenah with John Hartenberger officiating.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the service.