Betty Jane Ask

Betty Jane Ask, 88 of St. Charles, died Tuesday, August 16, 2016, at Olmsted Medical Center in Rochester.
Betty was born March 2, 1928, in Houston, Minnesota, to John and Avis (Tietz) Anderson. She graduated from Houston High School in 1946, and worked as a legal secretary. On March 6, 1948, she married Walter "Wally" Ask. Together they began their career in the painting business in Houston, Minnesota. In 1951, they opened Ask Paint and Glass in St. Charles, Minnesota. They operated the business for the next 50 years. In retirement, Betty was an active volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House and the St. Charles Resource Center, where she enjoyed meeting others, and helping where she was needed most.
Betty had a strong faith, and was a dedicated member of Faith Lutheran Church. She and Wally were one of the founding members of the church. She actively participated in the Rachel Circle, quilting group, Hand Bell Choir, ELCA Women's Group, and Lutheran World Relief. Again, she generously gave of her time to help wherever she was needed.
Betty was also a member of the Sons of Norway, VFW Auxiliary and the Order of the Eastern Star. She was very creative and enjoyed Norwegian Stitching, especially Hardanger, quilting, doll making, ceramics and sewing. She was an avid Twins fan and rarely missed a game. Yet her true love and joy came from her family. She was happiest when surrounded by her children and grandchildren, and she thoroughly enjoyed the antics of her great-grandchildren. God made a wonderful mother, and she was the heart of the family. She was quick to show her love and guidance. She treasured her time with each of them.
Betty is survived by her four children, Virginia (Merlin) Mielke of Plainview, Wally Jr. (Corinne) of Orange, CT, Timothy (Jayne) of St. Charles and Kimberly Ask-Carlson of Rochester. 11 grandchildren, Tyler Mielke, Taryn Mielke-Torres, Tanner Mielke, Erik Ask, Ryan (Christi) Ask, Kevin Ask, Rachel (Mike) Nachreiner, Chris (Maggie) Ask, Kendra (Luis Martin) Ask-Carlson, Kieran Carlson & Keenan Carlson; 13 great-grandchildren, Sebastian & Savannah Mielke, Alexis Chavarria, Lincoln & Madelyn Ask, Brooklyn Ask, Michael, Brekken & Hudson Nachreiner, Adalyn & Brody Ask, and Haakon & Innes Martin; one brother, Darol Anderson of Georgetown, DE; two sisters, Carla (Gordon) Johnson of La Crescent and Margot (Nord) Osland of Rockford, MN; and many nieces and nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Wally in 2013 and one sister, Donna Schroeder.
Funeral Service will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at Faith Lutheran Church with the Reverend Steve McGinley officiating. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m., Monday at Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service - St. Charles and one hour prior to the service at church. Memorials are preferred to Make a Wish of Minnesota or Faith Lutheran Church. Please share a memory of Betty, sign her online guestbook and view her video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.