Elizabeth "Betty" Irene Schmiechel , 96, Minot, died Tuesday, April 9, 2013 in Heart of America Care Center, Rugby.
Betty was born January 29, 1917 on the family farm near Simcoe, North Dakota, the daughter of Frederick and Laura "Lottie" (Skarison) Neuhalfen. She was raised and educated near Simcoe in McHenry County. She was employed as a housekeeper in Minot at the age of 14.
Betty was united in marriage to Harvey Schmeichel on April 2, 1937. They made their home in Sawyer before moving to Minot in 1942. Harvey and Betty were married 70 years prior to Harvey's death in 2007. Along with raising their four children, Betty was employed in Minot at various retail stores until she retired from Toivo's Jewelers in 1979.
As a member of Zion Lutheran Church since 1937, Betty actively served on the Altar Guild, in church circle groups and as the wedding coordinator. Also, Betty was very active in various community organizations including the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Senior Citizens, and Ladies Trainman Lodge, as well as being a charter member of the Hostfest Association. Betty enjoyed doing embroidery, craftwork, reading, crocheting, and playing cards. Two nights a week she and Harvey could be found playing bingo or dancing at the Moose Lodge.
Betty is survived by her daughters, Leona (Marshall) Stearns, Dayton, OH; Marlene (Leo) Wolf, Towner, ND; Sharon Engwis, Auburn, WA; eleven grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; sister in law, Eleanor Neuhalfen, Minot; daughter in law, Charlene Schmeichel, Renton, Wa; and several nieces and nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents;, husband, Harvey; son, Willis; son in law; Kenneth Engwis, and her five brothers.
Funeral service: Monday, April 15, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in Zion Lutheran Church, Minot
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot
Visitation: Sunday from noon-5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Rugby Heart of America Care Center or Zion Lutheran Church, Minot.