Elizabeth "Betty" Laufenberg

MOUNT HOREB - Elizabeth Margaret “Betty” Laufenberg, our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully in her own bed on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. She was 94.

Betty was born on March 16, 1929, to George and Elizabeth (Hellenbrand) Karls of Waunakee. She grew up on the family farm attending school at St. John's Catholic School in Waunakee. She married Herbert Laufenberg on June 6, 1950, at St. John's Catholic Church. Together they raised their seven children and farmed for many years near Mount Horeb. Herbie preceded her in death on Nov. 2, 2012, after 62 years of marriage.

Being a homemaker was Betty's cherished role. She loved being a wife and mother and living on the family farm. She had an extreme love and interest in her family’s lives. Betty had a gift of writing the sweetest, heartfelt letters. If you were lucky enough to receive a card or letter from her, it was saved, reread and treasured.

Betty was a devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pine Bluff. She worked with her parish family helping with parish functions and funeral dinners. By the grace of God, she taught religious education and was a Eucharistic Minister for many years going to homes and nursing homes. Being a pro-life advocate was very important to her. She had a deep faith in God and felt truly blessed always. She enjoyed music, singing and playing guitar. She was a member of the St. Mary's Parish Choir for many years and sang with the Silvertones.

Betty was a wonderful cook and baker. She especially enjoyed making her delicious cinnamon rolls, buns and bread which her family loved. She baked and decorated many amazing cakes for birthdays, First Communions, graduations and anniversaries. She also enjoyed gardening, reading, bowling, crocheting (making afghans for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren), card playing and family parties.

Later in life she worked part-time at the lunch program for Mount Horeb schools and for Lifetouch Photography. She worked at the polls for elections and was a past member of the local St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Betty is survived by her seven children, Joseph (Marilee) Laufenberg of Jasper, Ga., Diane (Jim) Boland of Mount Horeb, Jane (Ray) Cunneen of Highlands Ranch, Colo., Richard (Joann) Laufenberg, William (Sue) Laufenberg, Sharon (Greg) Carl and Tony Laufenberg all of Mount Horeb; 12 grandchildren, Joel (Stephanie) Laufenberg, Chris (fiancée, Julia) Laufenberg, Karen Dale, Peter (Jackie) Boland, Brian (Katie) Boland, Julie (Chris) Smith, Sarah (Adam) Brecklin, Bria (Wade) Ward, Lindsey (Adam) Ragatz, David Laufenberg, Frank Laufenberg and Erin (Ryan) Nanney; step-grandson, Brian (Kelly) Severson; 22 great-grandchildren; four step great-grandchildren; two sisters, Genny Greiber and Lucille Endres; one brother, Edmund (Virginia) Karls; sisters-in-law, Jean Statz, Judy Laufenberg and Eileen (Jim) Rauls; and nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband "Herbie;" her parents; siblings, Helen (Lawrence) Niesen, George (Marilyn) Karls and Alfred (Mary Ann) Karls;  brothers and sisters-in-law, Donald Endres, Herman Greiber, David (Marian) Keller, Art (Leona) Laufenberg, Kenneth (Rose Marie) Laufenberg, Jack Laufenberg and Roman Statz; parents-in-law, Anton and Henrietta Laufenberg; niece, Kathy Keller; nephews, Jerry Niesen and Brian Statz; and godson, Philip Karls.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. MARY’S OF PINE BLUFF CATHOLIC CHURCH, 3673 County Road P, Cross Plains, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, with Father Brian Dulli officiating. A visitation will be held at the church from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, with a Rosary at 2:30 p.m. An additional visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Wednesday. A graveside service will follow at St. Mary’s of Pine Bluff Catholic Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Dr. Randall Haas, Dr. John Phelan and Dr. Colin Connell from SSM Health and Agrace Hospice staff: Mark, Carla, Kay, Bobbie, Jennifer and other team members for their wonderful care and support. Also, thank you to Father Michael Wanta for his special visits.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wisconsin Right to Life or St. Vincent de Paul Society in Madison.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb

Funeral & Cremation Care

500 N. Eighth St.

(608) 437-5077