Betty Jane Rosenbaum

MADISON - Betty Jane (Underwood) Rosenbaum, age 96, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, June 18, 2022, at Agrace HospiceCare. She was born on Jan. 15, 1926, in Racine, Wis., the fifth child of Ida Erickson and Chester Underwood.

The family relocated to Berwyn, Ill., where her father worked as a carpenter. When her parents divorced in 1937, Ida and her seven children resettled in the township of Vermont in Wisconsin with Ida's brother, Alfred, and her mother, Mary. The children enjoyed rural life, attending the one-room Sandridge School in Vermont township. Betty then attended Mount Horeb High School and graduated as salutatorian of the class of 1943.

During World War II, Betty worked at Rayovac. She then worked at the Veterans Administration with the Contact Division as their secretary which administered the GI bill. It was there that she met her husband, Maxwell Rosenbaum, from Fitchburg, Mass., in 1945. Betty transferred to the VA Dental Clinic and worked as a dental technician. Later, when the new William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital was constructed, she became secretary to the chief of surgery, Dr. Mendenhall.  

On Dec. 26, 1951, Betty and Max were married at the parsonage of the Mount Horeb Lutheran Church by the Rev. Hector Gunderson. They moved to Amhurst, Mass., where Max completed his master's degree. During this period, Betty worked as a ward secretary of the VA Psychiatric Hospital in Florence, Mass. When Max obtained a position as a research assistant at Yale University, Betty transferred to the VA Hospital at West Haven, Conn. Later, when Max obtained a position at the Naval Research Laboratory at Great Lakes, Ill., Betty became secretary to the Medical Admiral for the 9th Naval District. She worked for several Admirals and retired in 1973.

Max and Betty returned to Madison in 1978. They enjoyed rural living in their country home in Vermont township where Betty was on the planning commission and helped with the creation of the Town of Vermont history. Betty was proud of her Norwegian heritage and engaged in many functions of the Sons of Norway. She was also active with the Driftless Historium.

Betty had a zest for life and love of nature. She always made sure the bluebirds were fed, along with all the other creatures in nature. She once became a mother to three baby robins. She was out digging worms for them and they opened their mouths as soon as she opened the door. Betty and Max also had many pets throughout their life together.

Betty had a wide circle of friends that dearly loved her. She was genuine, patriotic, sympathetic, kind, loving, caring and very generous in her community.

The high point of her life was her beautiful flower gardens, which were spectacular.  They were always filled to the brim, and her helpers were often busy planting and attending to all the flowers and plants Betty bought.

Betty is survived by her husband, Max; brothers, Paul (Sara) Underwood and Kenneth Underwood; brother-in-law, Marvin (late Sarah); sister-in-law, Renee Berry (late Harry); and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Lyle (Dorothy Mae), Leroy (Mary Lou), Donald (June), Chester (Joan), George (Annabelle) and Raymond (Helen) Underwood; sister, Ruth (Fitch) Taylor; and brother-in-law, Morris Rosenbaum.

A memorial service will be held at EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 315 E. Main St., Mount Horeb, at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 27, 2022. Family and friends who wish to view services via LIVE STREAM may visit Betty’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on the Live Webcast link at 11 a.m. on Monday. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday.

Betty and Max are very appreciative of the love and support of their nieces, nephews and many friends.  They also want to thank their great helpers, including Kristin, Betty, Natalie, Nancy and Donovan.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice or World Central Ukraine Kitchen or Humane Society of Iowa and Dane Counties. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb

Funeral & Cremation Care

500 N. Eighth St.

(608) 437-5077