Pearl E. Betker

Obituary

Pearl Elizabeth Betker was born on October 15, 1924, in Hutchinson, Minnesota. She was the daughter of John and Mette (Christensen) Jorgensen. She was baptized as an infant by Reverend Lund and confirmed in her faith as a youth by Reverend Swendsen, both at Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church, later known as Main Street Lutheran (now Faith Lutheran Church) in Hutchinson. She received her education at Hutchinson High School and was a graduate of Hutchinson High School Class of 1942. 

On June 11, 1947, Pearl was united in marriage to Kenneth Betker at Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. This marriage was blessed with two children, Bruce and Sharon. Pearl and Kenneth shared 49 years of marriage until the passing of Kenneth in August 1996.

While growing up she helped her family with the Hutchinson Hatchery. After high school Pearl held employment at various jobs in Hutchinson including the Hutchinson Library, the S&L Greenstamps and Hutchinson High School. Pearl later was employed at Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing in Hutchinson until retirement in 1985. After retirement, she worked part time at Target into her 80s. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church.

Pearl enjoyed traveling, puzzles, and playing pinochle and dominos at the Hutchinson Senior Center. She was very active member at Faith Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School, Release Time, and Vacation Bible School. She was an active member of the women’s groups and served as a president of the Ladies Aid. Pearl sang in the church choir, participated in bible studies, ushering, historical archival of church history, quilting, funeral kitchen help, and folding bulletins. She also volunteered as the block worker for the Heart and Cancer fund drives.  

Pearl and Ken raised their family in their home on South Jefferson Street. After Ken’s passing, Pearl moved to a townhome where she remained until March 2017, when she moved to Ecumen Oaks & Pines. In November 2017, she became a resident of Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson. She passed away there on Saturday, January 26, 2019, at the age of 94 years.

Blessed be her memory.

Pearl is survived by her:
Daughter, Sharon Olson and her husband, Steve;
Daughter-In-Law, Judy Betker;
Grandchildren, Adam Betker and his wife, Kristi, Michael Betker and his wife, Laura, Bethany Sawchyn and her husband, Tyler, Philip Olson and his wife, Jayla, Kelsey Holmberg and her husband, Samuel;
Great-Grandchildren, Grace Betker, Glory Betker, Sullivan Betker, Rowan Betker, Margarett Sawchyn, Alexandria Sawchyn, Penelope Sawchyn, Liam Olson, Miles Olson, Abigail Holmberg;
Many Other Relatives and Friends.

Pearl is preceded in death by her Parents, John and Mette (Christensen) Jorgensen; Husband, Kenneth Betker, Son, Bruce Betker; Great-Grandson, Bruce Haven Betker; Brothers, Gerhardt, Audley and Norman Jorgensen.