Bettie Mae Karlstad

Bettie Karlstad, age 94, of Marshall formerly of Lynd, Minnesota, died on Wednesday, February 5, 2020, at the Heritage Point Care Center in Marshall. Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 10, 2020, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall, Minnesota. Following a reception, interment will be in the Lynd City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Sunday, February 9, 2020, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall. A Prayer Service is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., on Monday, February 10, 2020, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall.

Bettie Mae “Pat” Lohan was born on December 15, 1925, in Arlington, South Dakota, to parents John “Jack” and Hannah (Sundberg) Lohan. She grew up in the Oldham and Arlington communities, graduating from the Oldham High School with the class of 1943. Bettie continued her education at the General Beadle State Teachers College in Madison, South Dakota, before teaching 1 year. Shortly thereafter, Bettie met Mr. Hank Karlstad.

On May 18, 1946, Bettie was united in marriage to Henry “Hank” Karlstad at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Oldham, South Dakota. The couple made their home in Arlington before moving to Lynd, Minnesota, in 1960. She worked at Southwest State University in Marshall as an Equipment Manager for several women’s athletic programs. She also worked providing dietary needs at Weiner Memorial Medical Center (now Avera). She and Hank raised 3 children and spent 54 years of marriage together before his death in December of 2000. When Bettie needed more assistance with her daily care, she moved into Heritage Pointe 3 years ago.

Bettie was a long-time member of Holy Redeemer Church in Marshall. Her other enjoyments in life included flowers, dancing, making afghans, family gatherings, and cooking for her guests. She was a member of the Lynd Senior Citizens Club, the Birthday Club, and the Red Hat Society. Bettie also loved to watch birds and became known by many family members as “Grandma Bird.”

Bettie Karlstad died on February 5, 2020, in Marshall, Minnesota, at the age of 94 years, 1 month, and 21 days. Blessed and eternal be her memory.

Bettie is survived by her son, Doug Karlstad (LaDonna Thooft) of Lynd; 5 grandchildren, Cindy (Chris) Boe, David (Heidi) Karlstad Jr., Chris Karlstad (Amanda Pudil), Terry (Lori) Karlstad, Jessica Karlstad (Jon Grams); 8 great-grandchildren, Cole Boe, Noah Karlstad, Kyle Karlstad, Ashley Karlstad, Henry Karlstad, Kyle Krueger, Hunter Krueger, Kayleigh Krueger; 16 step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Jeff (Kristy) Wentzell of Dent; daughter-in-law, Dianne Karlstad (Harold Hess) of Lynd; sister, Mary Ann (James) Asmussen of Ramona, SD; dancing partner, Marilyn Kor of Russell; nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Bettie is preceded in death by her parents, John “Jack” and Hannah Lohan; husband, Henry “Hank” Karlstad; son, David Karlstad Sr.; daughter, Kathy Wentzell; daughter-in-law, Beverly Karlstad; brother, Donald Lohan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to a Hospice Organization of donor’s choice.