Betty Jane Wehlander

On April 8, 2015, in Fargo, North Dakota, Betty Jane Wehlander passed away at the age of 89. Betty joins her loving husband, Marlyn, in heaven. Their time apart only spanned three months. Betty is survived by her brother, James (Ramona) Neeb, her sisters, Vel Rae (Keith) Burkholder and Margaret Myers, her brother-in-law Oscar Wilfred (Marlene) Wehlander, her sisters-in-law, Jane Wehlander and Alice Wehlander, and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her four children: Linda (Larry) Francis, Cheryl (Steve) Van Ee, Richard Wehlander, and Karen (Don) Dahlseng. Betty has nine grandchildren: Charles (Trista) Francis, Bryan Francis, Daniel (Amanda) Francis, Shawn Dahlseng, Joe (Tonya) Van Ee, Katie (Eddie) Hruska, Megan (Ben) Hilgers, Ryan Wehlander, and Elizabeth Wehlander. Betty is also blessed with ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother John Neeb, her brothers-in-law, Erling, Vernon, and Roger Wehlander, Frank Myers, and her sister-in-law Connie Wehlander.

Betty was born in rural Barney, North Dakota, on May 23, 1925, to Gustav and Sophia Neeb. Betty was the oldest of five children. She lived a quiet farm life in Moselle, North Dakota, helping her parents with chores, participating in 4H raising chickens, and taking care of her younger sisters. She graduated from Wyndmere High School in 1943. She was employed at the Fargo Forum for a short time until Marlyn swept her away with his charm and love. They were married June 20, 1948 at Olivet Lutheran Church in Fargo. Their marriage was the epitome of a loving companionship lasting 66 years.

Betty was also a faithful, supporting member of the Olivet Lutheran Church congregation. Betty attended bible study groups, helped serve meals for various events, and taught Sunday school.

During the tender years of her four children, Betty stayed at home and operated a small daycare for other neighborhood children. Once the youngest, Karen, was of school age, Betty returned to working outside of the home with the Fargo Public Schools. Her 33–year career began in the cafeteria of an elementary school and ended as the system–wide trainer for all culinary staff. She retired in 1992.

After retirement, Betty and Marlyn packed their travel bags and took several trips to Mexico City, Florida, and Hawaii. Plus, they planned annual vacations to Texas and amassed a wonderful group of friends in that home away from home. Betty also enjoyed golfing in the Edgewood ladies league for years and hosting bridge with the gals.

Betty knew the best way to the hearts of many was through their tummies. She always had fresh baked cookies for her visiting grandchildren, and she knew everyone’s favorite flavor of birthday cake. Betty will be remembered as a caring, selfless, and loving mother and grandmother with a nurturing spirit who loved all and was loved by all. We love you dearly.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 11, 2015 from 1:00-2:00pm, followed by the funeral at 2:00 p.m. at Olivet Lutheran Church. Betty will peacefully lay at rest next to Marlyn at Sunset Memorial Gardens. All memorials are preferred to Olivet Lutheran Church or Hospice of the Red River Valley.

The family wishes to give their sincere thanks to Hospice and the vigil volunteers who helped the family so Betty was never alone; to Brenda Bauer, the parish nurse, for her warm prays and support; and to the staff at Villa Maria for all their care and kindness to Betty and her family during her last few months with us.