BETTY REIFER's Obituary
Betty Marie Reifer, 92, passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at Bethel Home after a short illness. She was born on Dec. 28, 1923 in Oshkosh to John Henry Pratsch and Elnore Dorn Pratsch.
Betty was a 1941 graduate of Oshkosh High School. She married James C. Reifer on Aug. 9, 1947 at St. Mary’s Church in Oshkosh. They were blessed with 2 children, Steven and Christine. Before her marriage, she worked as a secretary in a law office, and in later years as a bookkeeper for her husband’s business, Tech/Services, Inc. of Oshkosh. Betty and Jim loved to travel, and had attended many of Jim’s army reunions all across the United States. Betty was especially proud of their trip to Hawaii with Bart and Cherry Starr.
She lived at Carmel Residence for the last eight years. Betty valued the friendships she made while there. She liked playing bingo, and was excited when she came home with a few extra quarters.
Betty was affectionately known as “Nana” to her family. She loved to talk about the “good old days”, growing up during the Depression and life during WWII. She was very family-oriented and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Betty is survived by her daughter Christine (Frank) Reischl of Oshkosh; Grandchildren: Frank IV (Martha), James, and John (Rebekka) Reischl, all of Oshkosh, Shannon (Joshua) Schuren of Sheboygan Falls, Shelby (Paul) Royal of Cherry Hill, NJ, and James Wiles of Oshkosh; Great-grandchildren: Frank Reischl V of Oshkosh, Emma, Arianna, and Cameron Schuren of Sheboygan Falls, Payton and Megan Royal of Cherry Hill, NJ, and James Wiles of Oshkosh. She is further survived by her daughters-in-law Shelly Reifer of Sheboygan Falls and Maureen Reifer of Oshkosh, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband James Reifer in 2007, son Steven Reifer in 2010, grandson Adam Reifer in 2003, and her brothers and sisters Ruth Boeder, John Pratsch, Doris DeYoung, and Jerry Pratsch.
Funeral services for Betty will be held in the Chapel at Bethel Home (225 North Westfield) on Tuesday June 14, at 5:00 PM with the Rev. Matt Simonar officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the Chapel on Tuesday from 4:00 PM until the hour of services.
The family would like to thank the staff at Bethel Home, Aurora at Home Hospice, and Dr. Jon Carlson for their loving care in Betty’s final days.
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