Betty Lou Heisig

MONONA- Betty Lou Heisig, age 92, passed away peacefully while at home and surrounded by family on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. “Ach du Lieber!” Born January 12, 1928 in Madison, Betty was the youngest of Harry and Caroline (Von Reuss) Olson. Growing up in Sauk City, WI with her siblings Fred, Margie, Wally and Pat, Betty was raised with laughter, family values, and a strong pride for her German culture and traditions. “Hey, Howie.” Betty met the love of her life, Howard “Howie” Heisig, while she was a “sample girl” at Kroger food store in downtown Madison. In her words, she spotted her tall Norweigian working as a stock boy and “heard the bells!” They were married on October 16, 1949, and honeymooned in Niagara Falls. After a few early years in California and Michigan, they settled into Monona in 1955 to raise their three children, Greg, Julie, and Jim, and have remained in the same house through their 63 blissful years of marriage, and beyond. “Say, Whaddaya Know?” Betty valued the importance of education and was a proud graduate of both Broadview Academy in LaFox, Illinois in 1946, and from the Madison Business College. Betty had an eclectic career as a secretary, real estate broker, travel agent, and in mortgage financing. As a lifelong Republican, she regularly volunteered during election season and followed politics and current events with pride and enthusiasm. Reading the newspaper or Reader’s Digest with the news on in the background was common in Betty’s house. “God is in Control.” Wherever she was, Betty was a testimony for her faith and was an active and cherished member of the Madison East Seventh-day Adventist Church. Betty enthusiastically greeted each member and visitor of the church and usually followed it up with an invitation to her house for lunch. Betty sang in the church regularly with her sister Pat and other family members, and committed herself to daily devotional and Bible study. “You Know What Sounds Good?” Asking this question usually meant Betty wanted some ice cream, which her grandkids were more than happy to help her with. With her infectious laughter, Betty enjoyed spending time with friends and family over a cup of coffee, home cooked meal, a solid fish fry, or a simple game of Scrabble. “Gosh, Aren’t We Lucky?” Betty was always proud to say that her family was her greatest accomplishment. The true matriarch of the family, Betty made sure everyone regularly knew they were loved and supported. A constant cheerleader and moral compass for all, Betty made sure it was known that there was nothing more important than family. Betty is survived by her children, Greg (Anita) Heisig, Julie (Kent) Ganske, and Jim (Becky) Heisig; six grandchildren, Stefanie (Dan) Heisig-Day, Kristopher (Alicia) Ganske, Janelle Ganske, Kalyn (Brody) Wachter, James (Stacy) Heisig Jr., and Joshua Heisig; great grandchildren Brielyn, Ella and Alaina Ganske, Everett and Wrigley Wachter, and Kylie Heisig. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, grandson Jacob Heisig, and her husband Howard. “Well, alright…” Visitation for Betty will be held 10:00-11:00am on Monday, July 27, 2020 at the Madison East Seventh-day Adventist Church (910 Femrite Drive, Monona, WI). Funeral service will start at 11:00am, and a private interment service will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace Hospice Care, or to Easter Seals, care of the Post Polio Support Group. The family would like to thank the staff at Agrace for their care when she returned home. The family is being served by: Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-54320