Betty Ann Gulseth

Betty Ann Gulseth (Midthun), age 86, of McFarland, Wis., passed away peacefully at home with family by her side on Nov. 6, 2023. She was born on July 4, 1937, in Deerfield, Wis., to Theodore and Marie Midthun.

When Betty was 15 years old, she met the love of her life, LaVerne “Vern” Gulseth while working at her father’s general store. The couple would eventually elope on Oct. 12, 1954, and move to Limestone, Maine. Betty and Vern returned to Wisconsin a couple years later and lived in Madison briefly before moving to McFarland which ended up being their forever home.

Her family was her life.  She was the oldest girl in a family of nine children.  She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter. She took care of everyone, lending a listening ear to anyone in need and even nursed many family members during moments of great illness. She was so proud of her grandchildren and even right up to the end you could see the emotional impact their presence created.

Beyond her caregiving, she is perhaps best known for being an amazing cook and baker. After spending time at several restaurants, she found a home with the McFarland School District cafeteria. Over more than a decade, she served food and built relationships with hundreds of students. She would regularly bring in homemade treats and "doctored up" school lunches to ensure every student had a healthy and delicious meal. After retiring, Betty would build on talents of artistry and natural creativity to start her own business making custom cakes. From novelty birthday cakes to elaborate wedding designs, Betty built another career and lasting reputation as a one-of-a-kind baker.

Betty always pushed herself to try new things. She bought a banjo and learned how to play, took various college courses, learned CPR, and got certificated in care giving. There were few experiences she wouldn’t try in life.

She will be most remembered for her outspoken, and at times, outrageous communication style. She could talk to any person and always knew how to make someone laugh. She was quick to make friends and build connections across the town. You could always count on Betty to have a story or joke (although you might never expect what she ultimately has to say).

She was a longtime member of Western Koshkonong Lutheran Church and an active member of the Ladies Aid Association. Her faith was a constant source of strength during many difficult and uplifting moments in life.

Betty will be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by four children, Darrell (Mary), Kendall (Patricia), Cheryl, and Jaynell; ten grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one brother, Larry (Roberta); two sisters, Mary Lou and Gloria (Henry); and a large family including sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and godchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vern; sons, Michael and Randall; son-in-law, Len; sisters, JoAnn and Linda; and brothers, John, Ted, and Tom.

Funeral services will be held at WESTERN KOSHKONONG LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2633 Church St., Cottage Grove, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. Burial will take place at Western Koshkonong Lutheran Cemetery. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17. 2023, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420