Betty J. Oldendorf

PICKWICK, MINN. - Betty J. Oldendorf, 84, of Pickwick, Minn. died on Wednesday, September 17, 2008, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Rushford. Betty was born on October 13, 1923, in Money Creek, Minn. to Richard and Cora (Seekamp) Ronnenberg. She was raised in the Rushford area. Betty attended country school in Hart, Minn. and St. Martin's Lutheran School in Winona, Minn. In her teen years she enjoyed singing with her sister Delaine on the radio. She also worked several housekeeping jobs during that time. On June 10, 1944, she married Harold Oldendorf. Betty and Harold farmed in the Hart area until 1962, when they moved to Pickwick. They farmed together there also for many years. While on the farm Betty would do many farm chores including hauling milk to the creamery. She also continued working various housecleaning jobs, picking apples, and working at Winona Knitting mills and Leaf's Cleaners in Winona. Betty enjoyed taking rides in the country and she loved dancing. She would dance to the music of Lawrence Welk and Ernie Reck, and enjoyed dancing at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home on Sundays. Her favorite food was potato salad and she always enjoyed Sunday afternoon get-togethers. Betty was a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Pickwick. She is survived by one son, Jerry Oldendorf and his special friend June of Dakota, Minn.; three daughters: Jean Benike of Waubay, South Dakota, Judy (John) Woodard of Ridgeway, Minn. and Joy Fabian-Ewing of Winona, Minn.; 18 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one step-great-grandchild. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, husband in 1998, two brothers: Ralph and Richard Jr., one sister, Delaine Rapp, one grandchild, Sherry Oldendorf, one great-grandchild, Miranda Oldendorf, and one son-in-law, David Benike. The funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 20, at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Pickwick with the Rev. Galen J. Riediger officiating. Burial will be in the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Hart, Minn. Friends may call on Friday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Hoff Funeral Homes - Rushford Chapel and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Please feel free to leave a memory of Betty and view her online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com
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