Elizabeth (Betty) Jean Caldwell
Elizabeth (Betty) Jean Caldwell, 79, passed away Monday April 15, 2013, with her loving family at her side as she stepped into the arms of her Mother and Father.
She was born May 23, 1933 in Chicago, IL the daughter of Earl and Ethel VanHousen. She met the love of her life George “Bud” Caldwell and they were married in Gurnee, IL on June 8, 1957.
When Living in Chicago, Betty was the president of the Nellie Fox Fan Club. While living in Fond du Lac, Betty spent many years with Grey Ladies working as a volunteer for St. Agnes Hospital. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother, as well as a volunteer for Congressman Petri for many years and more recently delivered Mobile Meals with her husband. Betty rode shotgun and gave directions.
She was an avid cross-stitcher and her work brought praise from many who saw it. She sent many letters to the editor and submitted many first person articles to the Fond du Lac Reporter. Betty and Bud enjoyed traveling to other countries including, Mexico, England, Ireland and Norway where she met some of her relatives. She was very proud of her Norwegian heritage and would celebrate “Senti mai (the seventh of May) Norwegian Independence Day, however she drew the line at eating lutefisk!
She is survived by her husband; three children, Kyle, Christopher and Sarah (Duane) Westphal; nine grandchildren, Andrew (Kate) Christensen, Katelyn Westphal, Adam Caldwell, Erin Caldwell, Kelsey Westphal, Ian Caldwell, Emmet Caldwell, Evan Caldwell and Lucy Caldwell; two great grandsons, Landon Christensen and Ried Christensen. She is further survived by a daughter-in-law Terry Caldwell, sisters-in-Law, Elaine Anderson, Carol Bone, Rita Miskowski and Janet Caldwell; one uncle, Russell (Bertha) Bearby; one aunt, Melva Bearby; cousins, Berit (Jan) Pettersen, Karen (Richard) Martinez, Edward Bearby, Linda Bearby, Debbie (Gary) Precin, Mark (Lorrie) Bearby and Scott (Elizabeth) Bearby; and by many nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation: Family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday April 23, 2013 from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at the Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E. Division St., Fond du Lac.
Services: A Funeral Service for Betty will be held at 11:00 AM at Zacherl Funeral Home. Rev. Richard Hutchison, a family friend, will officiate.
Memorials in Betty’s memory may be directed to the organization of your choice.
Zacherl Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. www.zacherlfuneralhome.com