Betty Lou Barsness

MADISON - Betty Lou Barsness, age 91, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, Aug. 2, 2021. Betty was born Dec. 28, 1929, in Madison, Wis., to Lynch and Maud Schulenberg. Betty came from a large loving family of five sisters and six brothers in Black Earth, Wis. She met Lyle “Dean” Barsness, son of Albert and Marie Barsness, in 1945 at Black Earth High School. Betty loved and excelled at school, she was active in theatre, cheerleading and graduated Valedictorian of her class in 1948. After graduation, she married Dean in 1950 and they celebrated 66 years of marriage. Their life's adventure began in Madison, where Betty and Dean raised four children in uptown Madison before Betty retired from Wisconsin Bell South in 1991 and moved to the Township of Springfield in 1992. Betty fully enjoyed her retirement years with Dean. Together they tended their beautiful flower gardens, vacationed with family and hosted countless holiday dinners. She enjoyed all Wisconsin sport teams and took up bowling in her retirement, and she thoroughly enjoyed her weekly ladies league in Waunakee. Betty was a consummate baker and loved to send her delicious care packages out to family and friends. She was the life of party and always had a mischievous grin. Those that knew her will forever miss her sharp mind and colorful stories. Along with being a great card player, there wasn’t a puzzle (jigsaw to cryptoquote) that she could not master. She was the dear mother of David, Jeffrey (Marjorie), Julie (Scott) Wempner, and Daniel (Pam); proud grandmother of Steven, Wendy (Chad), Kyle, and Leah (DJ); and great-grandmother of Devon, Emma, and Wesley. Betty is survived by her sisters, Joann Dolfen and Ruth “Honey” (Errol) Erstad; and brothers, Ralph (Darlene) Schulenberg, Donald (Jean) Schulenberg, Dennis (Sheryl) Schulenberg and Francis (Patty) Schulenberg. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dean; daughter-in-law, Sherri (David) Barsness; parents, Lynch and Maud Schulenberg; brothers, Jimmy and Mike Schulenberg; and sisters, Bernice “Bunny” Weichert and Della "Dolly" Rothman. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, with a short prayer service immediately following. The family wishes to thank the staff at Christian Home-Waupun for their exemplary care and kindness. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761