Elizabeth Whitmer

Elizabeth "Betty", daughter of Lawrence and Elizabeth (Folk) Brotzel, was born February 20, 1919, at Milbank, South Dakota. She attended rural school near her home and then worked in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On July 15, 1939, Betty was united in marriage with Albert Whitmer at Racine, Wisconsin. Four children were born to this union. Betty and Albert lived for several years in Milwaukee where Albert worked for the Milwaukee Road. Years later, Albert was transferred to Manilla, Iowa and the family moved there. Betty worked as an Avon rep for 16 years. She babysat for many years and was a custodian at the bank for 12 years. Betty was a member of Sacred Heart Church and was active in the Altar and Rosary Society as wellas the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. She was an avid Atlanta Braves fan. Betty enjoyed bowling, playing cards, traveling, crocheting, babysitting, being with her friends and especially spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. In 1968, Albert suffered a stroke and his family cared for him in his home until his death in 1977. Betty remained in their home until June of 2011 when she became a resident of the Manilla Manor Nursing Home. She died there on Friday, May 3, 2013 at the age of 94 years, 2 months and 13 days. Besides her parents and husband, Betty is preceded in death by two sons Ken Whitmer and another in infancy; a grandson Joseph Whitmer; a great granddaughter Heather Price; six brothers: Chris, John, Joe, Lawrence, Frank and Mike Brotzel; and two sisters Eva Duesing and Laski Roggenbuck. She is survived by a son Fred Whitmer and wife Corene of Valhermoso Springs, AL; a daughter Patricia and husband Bill Frahm of Manilla; seven grandchildren: Renee (Lance) Wenzler; James Whitmer; Tania (John) Harris; Courtney (Mark) Gammon; Shane (Susan) Wiegel; Nicholas (Anna) Frahm and Mark Whitmer; 14 great-grandchildren: Sarah Price; Kathrine and Laura Fredrick; Caitlyn, Abby and Jake Wiegel; Jordyn, Kohl and Trysta Harris; Noah and Harper Frahm; Lauren, Kate and Davis Wenzler; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Reverend Robert Gralapp, Celebrant Lector and Eucharistic Minister Jerome Riesselman Mass Servers Cody Chapman Sam Gross Music "The Lord's Prayer" "Ave Maria" "How Great Thou Art" "Amazing Grace" Sacred Heart Choir and Recordings Casketbearers Dale Lafrenz Jim Holman Jim Roggenbuck Mark Whitmer Shane Wiegel Nicholas Frahm