Betty Jean Frederiksen

Betty Jean Christensen Frederiksen, 85, former resident of Elk Horn, Iowa passed away peacefully at Lakeside Village in Panora, Iowa on December 26th, 2017.
Betty was born on November 30, 1932 at her paternal grandparents’ home in Audubon, Iowa. She was baptized at her parents’ home in Hamlin Township. Betty was the only child of George and Fritzie (Hansen) Christensen. She graduated Salutatorian from Audubon High School in 1951.
On August 26, 1951, Betty married Dale Frederiksen at Bethany Lutheran Church in rural Kimballton. While Dale completed his service in the Marine Corps, Betty enjoyed living in Millington, Tennessee where she experienced southern culture and friendships. Following Dale’s discharge from the military, Betty and Dale returned to Audubon County where they farmed from 1954 until 1989. Betty actively supported the farming operation most notably by her exceptional cooking and baking skills. She also enjoyed her work at the office of Dr. G.E. Larson in Elk Horn. Following Dr. Larson’s retirement, she began working at the Salem Lutheran Homes where she retired in November of 2016 after 41 years of service.
Betty was an active lifetime member at Bethany Lutheran Church where she enjoyed teaching Sunday school and participating in Women’s’ Bible studies and service groups. Betty most enjoyed her family, especially trips with her children and grandchildren to Rush Lake, Minnesota for annual summer vacations. Dale and Betty treasured their friendships with their Whist card club. Their trip to Denmark to meet Dale’s extended family was a highlight for both of them.
Betty moved from Elk Horn, Iowa to Lakeside Village in Panora in April 2017 when her health began to decline. She is survived by daughters Susan (David) Thompson of Panora, Sandra (Gary) Schnebel of Omaha, grandchildren Nathan (Ashley) Thompson of Ames, Katelyn (Chad) Thompson Baedke of Panora, Andrew (Jillissa) Schnebel of Sioux City, Jeffrey (Justine) Schnebel of Omaha. Also surviving includes brothers-in-law Darrell (Lenore) Frederiksen, Gerald Mohr, sister-in-law Darlene Frederiksen and Betty’s beloved Siamese cat, Ellie. Betty was preceded in death by her husband: her parents; her brother-in-law Arne Frederiksen and her sister-in-law Ella Mohr. Betty will be remembered for the way she made you feel in her company. She was a master of memorizing your favorite treat and having it ready for you when she welcomed you into her home.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful staff and friends at Lakeside Village for adopting Betty as a part of their family. Their kindness and care will never be forgotten.
Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Cathy Van Gundy on Saturday, December 30th, 2017 at 10:30am at Bethany Lutheran Church northeast of Kimballton, Iowa. Burial services will immediately follow at Bethany Lutheran Church Cemetery. The casket bearers will be Nathan Thompson, Ashley Thompson, Katelyn Thompson, Chad Baedke, Andrew Schnebel, Jillissa Schnebel, Jeffrey Schnebel, and Justine Bragg. The family will meet with friends Friday afternoon, December 29, 2017, at 4:00pm at the Bethany Lutheran Church northeast of Kimballton.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.