A native and life-long resident of Minot with, "no desire to live anywhere else," Betty Jean (ne Freeh) Lansverk, completed her earthly journey Monday, October 17th, 2016 in her home, in her bed and in the arms of her family, as was her desire.

Affectionately known in high school as "Twinkle Toes" and "Betty Boop" in recognition of her love of dancing, Betty was born on a typical winter day in Minot where the high temperature registered 13 degrees with visibility of nine miles due to blowing snow and that first night's low a rather wimpy 2 degrees below zero. It was December 20, 1925, when Lydia (Stock) Freeh gave birth to Betty as her father, Arthur Freeh, anxiously paced the halls of Trinity Hospital.

A native of Harvey, ND, Arthur Freeh, having married Lydia Stock, moved to Minot in 1923-24 to begin Arthur's banking career at the First National Bank as Lydia settled in as a new housewife in "the big city," to continue her musical piano career. Lydia was a student of and an audacious player of "ragtime" piano that evidently inspired Betty, as she too loved tickling the ivory keys of the piano and organ.

Betty attended Minot Public Schools beginning with Roosevelt Elementary through Minot High, graduating in 1943. After high school, Betty worked for AT&T as a telephone operator. She enjoyed her work but with World War II raging she felt she "should be doing more to help the war effort" in some other manner. That desire motivated her to move to Seattle to work for the United States Navy in a civilian capacity in a "rather busy office typing, processing, and filing stuff." No mention as to whether or not the work was of a secret nature, however.

In addition to her love of music, dancing, and a wicked sense of humor, Betty enjoyed playing bridge at every opportunity she could, and reading. "My love of books is a direct response to witnessing the joy and pleasure Mom received from books," said her son, Ron. "For that I am ever grateful, as are the proprietors of book stores through the Midwest," Ron concluded.

On November 1, 1948, Betty married Owen C. Lansverk, a former neighbor, high school classmate, and friend of her younger sister, Donna. In 1950, Betty and Owen bundled up their meager possessions and their year-old son, and moved to Crosby in Divide County, ND. Crosby, eleven miles south of the International Boundary with Canada, and eleven miles east of Montana, was where Owen began is 42-year career with Farmers Union Insurances and Betty picked up her taste for "couples-golf," on the then-sand greens of the Crosby Golf Club. It is rumored that Betty took a whack at curling while living in Crosby, but no photos exist to prove that.

While living in Crosby, both Betty and Owen were active in various community activities and organizations. The community theater utilized their musical talents and undiscovered acting abilities. Both were active in Concordia Lutheran Church in Crosby and sang with the church choir.

About 1958 Owen had the opportunity of returning to Minot to join his father's Farmers Union Insurance Agency. Betty discovered that she had grown fond of Crosby and small town living and was not sure she wanted to go back home. However, renewing long-lived friendships quickly convinced Betty they had made the correct move.

Once home, Betty continued her bridge club activities, was involved in her children's PTA organizations and learned to drive, thus allowing her the privilege of chauffeuring her children to their various activities. In addition to bridge, golf and being a full-time mother, housewife, and spouse, she loved gardening, walking and most outside activities that offered her an opportunity to enjoy the sun and sun tea.

Any recap of Betty's life would be incomplete if it did not make mention of her love of and talent for knitting. The exact point when she discovered this artistic outlet is unknown, but daughter Amy believes it may have begun during Amy's formative years. When Betty began is not as important as the amazing quality and quantity she produced over the years while she still could see the fruits of her efforts. From shawls, sweaters, baby beanies, and blankets she was amazingly proficient, as Amy will attest, "Look at this, and this and these! Can you believe how talented she is?" And she was.

Betty experienced some of her greatest joys during the years she proudly served as a volunteer for Trinity Hospital. Serving and helping others helped her meet her dream of becoming a nurse.

Betty is survived by her spouse of 68 years, Owen (91) of Minot along with three of her four children; Ron (Dana K. Smith) Lansverk, White Bear Lake, MN; Amy (Brandt) Lansverk, Minot, and Peggy (Russ) Stai of San Diego, CA. Her eight grandchildren will miss her baking, knitted gifts and giggling: Joe (Kim) Schmalz, Minot; Casey (Wendy) Graves, Minot; Jameson and Justin Brandt, Minot; Eryn Lansverk, White Bear Lake, MN; Melissa (Matt) Weiss, Baltimore, MD; Brian Stai, San Diego, CA, Chris Stai, Laguna Beach, CA, and five great grandchildren, Jillian and Madeline Schmalz, and Bowen, Zuzana, and Noema Weiss.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Lydia (Stock) Freeh, her daughter, Debra Kay Schmalz Graves Lansverk, her sister, Donna (Freeh) Esterby, two brothers-in-law, Owen Arthur Esterby and Norman Lansverk, and special cousin, Vern Freeh.

The funeral will take place at 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 24 at First Lutheran Church in Minot, with a reception to follow at the church Parish Center. Pastor Ken Nelson will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Betty's life.

Interment will take place in Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot. There will be a time to visit with the family Sunday at the Thomas Family Funeral Home on Main Street, Minot, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Betty understands the Vikings are playing but is confident her friends can accomplish both events Sunday. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Betty's name are preferred to the Meniere Disease Foundation, Alzheimer's Disease Foundation, First Lutheran Church (Minot, ND), or a charity of your choice.

"Death ends a life - not a love. You will always be with me grandma."

Eryn Lansverk, October 17, 2016 .