Betty J. Schleh

Betty J. Schleh, 78 of New London, died Friday, December 2, 2022 at GlenOaks Care Center in New London.  Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 12, 2022 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Willmar.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at church.  Burial will be in Gausdal Cemetery near New London.   Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home in New London.   

Betty Joyce Schleh was born on February 28, 1944 in Graceville, MN the youngest daughter of Harry and Selma (Greiner) Wilkie.  When she was a young girl, the family relocated to Rosemount, MN to operate Wescott Grocery.

On June 17, 1961, Betty was united in marriage to Gerald Schleh at Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran Church in Eagan, MN.  This union was blessed with two daughters.  In 1966, they moved their young family from the cities to a farm near New London.  Betty was a “pioneer” as a woman farmer before it was popular.  She maintained the farm with her husband, while raising their family.  She retired from dairy farming in 1987 when they began wintering in Texas, Arizona and New Mexico.

Betty was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church where she served on various food committees.  She also volunteered many years at GlenOaks Care Center. She loved traveling, making new friends and experiencing new activities like taking guitar lessons from an Elvis impersonator.  She enjoyed her time at home gardening, painting and baking, especially pies. 

Betty is survived by her husband of 61 years, Gerald; daughters, Debbie (Loren) Foley and Peggy Schleh; granddaughter, Abella Nystrom; sister-in-law, Marge Spencer; and cousin, Dorothy Foth. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Harriet; brother-in-law, Doug Pearson; sister-in-law, Marilyn Schleh and niece, Marie Pearson. 

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