Betty L. Holzapfel

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Betty L. Holzapfel, 87, of Garretson passed away, Friday, July 26, 2019 at her home surrounded by her family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Garretson.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will begin Monday at 5:00 PM at the church with a Wake Service at 7:00 PM.

Elizabeth “Betty” Louise Vandersnick was born August 13, 1931 at the DeVall Hospital in Garretson, SD to Charlie and Lucy (Floming) Vandersnick.  Betty grew up in rural Garretson, attended North Central country school until her freshman year, and then attended Garretson High School, graduating in 1949.  After high school, Betty worked for Dr. Suchow.  She married Dennis Holzapfel on April 10, 1950 at St. Rose of Lima Rectory in Garretson.  Due to a blizzard, their wedding dance was canceled.

Betty and Dennis lived in Garretson two years and had two sons, Steven and Richard.  Dennis was employed with the gas pipeline, traveling throughout the Midwest in their small trailer.  Returning to Garretson in 1956, they built a new home on the east side and had their only daughter, Sharon.  Their last son, Charles, was born after moving to a farm west of Garretson.  The family then moved to a farm by Sherman, SD.  They then lived in Dennis’ childhood home in Garretson beginning the fall of 1971 where she resided until her death.

Throughout the years she worked at Palisade Manor Nursing Home, was an EMT and board member for the Garretson Community Ambulance and ran a home daycare.  She was a member of St. Rose of Lima Church, Alter Society, and the Garretson Senior Citizens.  She and Dennis volunteered for the Help Program which consisted of driving many people to various appointments totaling over 70,000 miles.  They also delivered Meals on Wheels.  In her later years, Betty enjoyed spending time with her family, embroidering, puzzles, and her special cats (Bobbi and Missy).

Betty passed away in her home on Friday, July 26, 2019, at the age of 87, surrounded by family.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Steven (Cheryl) of Sioux Falls, Richard (Cory) of Sherman, Sharon (Steve Heesch) and Charles (Lori) of Garretson; her grandchildren, Nancy Kowalke, Alan (Amber Craigle) Holzapfel, Amy (Jorge Deleon) Heesch, Julie (Jeremy) Felcher, of Sioux Falls, Heather Holzapfel of Sherman, Justin (Mandy) Holzapfel of Redwood Falls, MN; great-grandchildren, Ivy, Dandre, Keegan, Rebecca, Kyra, Hadley, Finnlay, Lillian, Aidan, Addison, Remington and many other relatives.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis, her parents, parents-in-law, sister, brother-in-law, and nephew.