Betty A. Simonsen, 92, of Pender, NE, passed away on Monday, February 28, 2022, at Legacy Garden Rehabilitation and Living Center in Pender, NE. The funeral service will be Friday, March 4, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Pender, NE. The visitation will be on Thursday, March 3, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender. Burial will be in St. John’s Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural Pender. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender.
Betty Ann Charlotte Kratke was born March 19, 1929, in West Point, NE to Charles and Louise (Brehmer) Kratke. Betty was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church and attended country school south of Pender. Betty was raised with a strong German heritage and work ethic. She started working after the eighth grade. On March 18, 1950, she married Eugene Harlan Simonsen at St. John’s Lutheran Church. After Eugene’s passing in 1984, Betty moved to Pender and worked at the Thurston Locker and later at the Hospital.
Betty was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and was a part of the Ladies Aid and helped clean the church. She enjoyed spending time at the Pender Senior Center. Most of all Betty loved spending time with her family.
Betty is survived by her son, Larry (Linda) Simonsen of Pender; grandchildren, Shanna Simonsen, Travis Simonsen, Tony (Angela) Simonsen, Trisha Simonsen; great-grandchildren, Max, Owen, Madyson, Caden and Jones.
Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Simonsen; brothers, DeLoy, Harlan, Wilbur; sister, Hilda Meyer; infant sister, Georgean; great-grandson, Lennox.