Betty Potthoff

Elizabeth Lou “Betty” Potthoff,  daughter of Louis and Mae (Wiederin) Bruning, was born September 15, 1926, in Carroll, Iowa. She grew up in Breda and graduated from St. Angela’s Academy in Carroll. Betty worked in the Carroll County Courthouse and then in accounting at Montgomery Ward.

On February 17, 1947, Betty was united in marriage with Melvin Potthoff in Halbur. Six children were born to this marriage. In 1951, the couple moved north of Manning and farmed for 18 years. In 1969, they began operating Mel’s Place in Halbur. They moved to Manning in 1978 where they built a new home and enjoyed many years. In 2017, Mel and Betty were blessed to celebrate the special milestone of their 70th wedding anniversary. 

Betty was a member of Sacred Heart Church, Catholic Daughters, the Homemaker’s Club, and spent many hours volunteering for multiple charities in the community. Betty was an excellent seamstress, making many clothes for her family. She was an Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball fan and always enjoyed watching the Cubs with Mel. More than anything, Betty was most proud of her family and how they care about each other. Betty was a great cook and made the best pies around.  Betty cherished the grandkids and was always interested in what they were all doing and enjoyed going to their sporting events and cheering them on.  She always made sure there were cookies in the cookie jar for the grandkids and anyone else who stopped by. 

After Mel passed away in 2017, Betty moved into Manning Senior Living. When her health started to decline, Betty moved to Accura Healthcare of Manning.  She died there on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at the age of 96 years 11 months and 8 days.

Betty is survived by six children: Craig (Marilyn) Potthoff of Goodyear, Arizona, Kathy (Gary) Kuhl of Waukee, Mary (Don) Rowedder of Rogers, MN, Jeanne (Ed) Samame of Johnston, Brian (Lori) Potthoff of Manning, and Jeff (Lisa) Potthoff of West Des Moines; 22 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. She is also survived by three sisters-in-law: Arlene Rupiper, Lois Hinners and Joyce Wright, all of Carroll; and a brother-in-law Danny Rowedder of Carroll.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband Mel; a grandson Alec Potthoff; siblings: Marvin Bruning, Robert Bruning and JoAnn Roorda; her stepmother Ann Bruning; and several in-laws: Merle (Lila) Potthoff, Don Hinners, Dick Wright, Norbert (Irma) Potthoff, Carol Rowedder, and Ernie Rupiper.

Mass of the Christian Burial was held on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Sacred Heart Church, Manning, Iowa by Reverend Shinoj Jose, Celebrant.

Lector was Angie Tade.

Gift Bearers were Jill Daye, Sheli Kuhl, Shantelle Samame, Abbey Potthoff and Jessica Potthoff.

Eucharist Minister  was Jeanne Samame

Mass Servers were Audrey and Bill Muhlbauer

Music “How Great Thou Art”, “On Eagle’s Wings”, “Here I Am, Lord” and “Prayer of St. Francis” by Sacred Heart Choir, Anne Muhlbauer, Organist.

Casketbearers were Betty’s Grandsons Jason Potthoff, Tanner Samame, Aaron Potthoff, Nathan Rowedder, Christopher Kuhl,

Corey Kuhl and Austin Potthoff

Interment was held at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Manning, Iowa