Betty Lou Mahnke

Obituary

Betty Lou (Gruenwalt) Mahnke was born June 4, 1939, in Gaylord, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Ollie and Mary (Kraemer) Gruenwalt. Betty was baptized on June 25, 1939, by Rev. Hans Werner and was confirmed on March 29, 1953, by Rev. William Mueller, both at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Auburn, Minnesota. Her confirmation verse was Revelation 2:10, “Be thou faithful unto death and I will give you a crown of life.” Betty received her education in Glencoe and graduated with the Glencoe High School class of 1957.

She earned her nursing degree at Bethesda Lutheran School of Nursing in St. Paul, Minnesota. She was a lifelong, dedicated nurse who truly enjoyed her work; helping and serving others. Her nursing career began at Glencoe Regional Health Center in Glencoe, Minnesota, and that is where she retired after working for 60 years.

Betty was united in marriage to Elroy Mahnke on October 23, 1959, at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Auburn, by Rev. William Tinge. The couple resided in Glencoe, Minnesota. Their marriage was blessed with one son, Steven. Betty and Elroy shared 49 years of marriage until Elroy passed away on March 12, 2009.

Betty enjoyed decorating her home for the holidays, traveling, gardening, and entertaining family and friends. Being of service to people in need and caring for them was of utmost importance to her. Betty cherished the time she spent with family and with friends.

Betty passed away on August 25, 2023, at GlenFields Living With Care in Glencoe, Minnesota at the age of 84 years. Blessed be her memory.

Betty is survived by her
Son, Steven Mahnke, and his wife, Deborah, of Farmington, MN;
Sister, Delores Sickmann, and her husband, Ervin, of Glencoe, MN;
Sister-in-law, Joanne Gruenwalt of New Auburn, MN;
Nieces and Nephews, Wanda (John) Bryant, Paul (Tricia) Sickmann, Jason (Leah) Sickmann, Brian Gruenwalt and his significant other, Jody Kistner, Jennifer Sickmann and her significant other, John Bronson;
Other relatives and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her Parents, Ollie and Mary Gruenwalt; Husband, Elroy Mahnke; Brother, Ray Gruenwalt; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Martin and Ella Mahnke; Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law, Vernon and Phyllis Mahnke; Niece, Connie Spach.