BETTY FLANDERS

Betty Flanders (Greinert) passed away on October 28, 2024. She was born to the late Walter and Lillian (Schaetzel) Greinert on January 15, 1936, in Bovina, Wisconsin. Following high school, Betty fulfilled her dream of becoming a pediatric nurse. She began her career at ThedaCare, later moving to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin where she served others for over 40 years. Her post-retirement journey led her to Clovis Grove Elementary School, where she enjoyed working with children as a lunch supervisor.

Betty was married to Lawrence “Larry” Flanders for nearly 64 years, and they had two children, Allen, and Amy. Betty loved being a mom and embraced leadership roles in Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts. Her presence and enthusiasm for her children's games, band concerts, parades, and meets, was a constant, and she took immense pride in their educational and professional achievements.

In addition to being a wife, mother, and nurse, Betty enjoyed many social activities. She and Larry were members of a local Prom Club where they dressed up, had dinner, and danced the night away. Betty was also part of a bridge group that met monthly for over 50 years. The remaining members, Jean Hanson, Marianne Herried, and Vernice Knudsen stayed in touch with her until the end.

Betty and Larry traveled the world, including excursions to Europe, Asia, and Africa as well as Central and South America. In their later years, they would look through pictures and reminisce about their adventures.

As an active member of First United Methodist Church Neenah-Menasha for nearly 70 years, Betty served on various committees and attended many activities. One of the most meaningful was visiting shut-ins who were unable to attend church services. When she was no longer able to get to church, Betty was incredibly grateful to the people who visited and called her, including good friends Barb and Brad Alt, Rita and Ed Nokes, and Nancy Berg.

Betty is survived by son Allen (Lori), daughter Amy, granddaughters Claudia (Jesse) Swiechowski and Ava Flanders. In addition to her church family and bridge group friends, several extended family members and close friends stayed in touch with Betty over the years including sister-in-law Jean Greinert, cousins Darlene Schultz (Bob) and Mike Kiser (Myrna), Ann and Jim Christensen, Pat Kiley, Tony and Yvonne Fuller, Sharon Bachman, Joe Bachman, and Wendy, Taylor, and Hannah Hoffman.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Larry, her parents, her in-laws Irven and Ruth (Williams) Flanders, sister Mary Jane Vander Velden, brother Bob Greinert, sister-in-law Evaleen Hoeller, brothers-in-law Jack Hoeller and Francis Vander Velden, niece Patricia High (Greinert), and close family friends Jerry Hoffman and Bob Coyle.

Betty's funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at First United Methodist Church Neenah-Menasha, 108 W. Doty St., Neenah with Rev. Rebecca Henry officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.  

Betty's family shares a heartfelt thank you to the incredible ThedaCare At Home and Hospice teams that took excellent care of Betty, especially Lisa and Lexie. Also, special thanks to Dr. Steven Knaus for the care and kindness you always showed Betty.