Betty Jean Deuser

Betty Jean Deuser, 89, of Mankato, passed away September 7, 2020 at Hillcrest Rehabilitation Center in Mankato due to complications from COVID-19.

Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 13, 2020 at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Dr., in North Mankato with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Betty was born April 14, 1931 to John and Grace (Kuhlmann) Huisman in Lincoln Township, Winnebago County, Iowa, where she enjoyed working on the farm with her father and sneaking rides on the work horses. A member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Betty graduated from Frost High School in 1949 and married twice, first to Lloyd Schaefer and later to William Deuser, having 6 children. Betty's greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially around the campfire at the family's Lake Ballantyne cabin. She loved reading and preparing hearty meals and tasty desserts for family. She was a loyal Vikings and Twins fan.

Betty is survived by her children, Diane Martens, Wanda Reed, Debra Schaefer, Vicki Wersal, Kevin (Trudi) Schaefer, and Carmen (Scott) Melby; grandchildren, David (Jennifer), Jerad, Angela (Michael), Sheila (Mike), Jessica (Tim), Jonelle (Jessie), Ryan, Tyler, Caleb (Steph), Broderic (Becca), and Lucas; great-grandchildren, Kiley, Tyler, Ethan, Carter, Christian, and Addison; siblings, Josephine Carlson, Darlene Johnson, Frances Krinkie, and John Huisman; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Tom Wersal; and sister, Annette Eckhardt.

The family wishes to recognize the caregivers at Hillcrest who became Betty’s second family. Staff enjoyed Betty’s quick wit and fiery personality that her first family knew so well.