Betty Grace Grimm

Betty Grace Grimm, age 83, of Willow Lake, died Thursday morning, August 27, 2015 at her home in Willow Lake with family by her side. Visitation will be held Sunday, August 30, 2015 from 5-7 PM at the Grace Lutheran Church at Willow Lake. Funeral services will be held Monday, August 31, 2015 at 2:00 PM at the Grace Lutheran Church at Willow Lake with Pastor Bryon Taffe officiating. Betty Grace Froke was born on April 23, 1932, the daughter of Charles and Wilma (Babler) Froke. She was born at home, on the farm ten miles north and west of Vienna. Betty learned to bake, cook, garden, can vegetables and meat, and clean. Every Saturday she and her sisters would have a cleaning day, even having to clean the boys' room too, which they all thought was unfair! Betty attended school at the Foxton Township School before moving into Willow Lake when she was in the sixth grade. She graduated from Willow Lake High School in 1950. She met William "Bill" Grimm when she was only a sophomore, working at the café. Their first date was going to a movie at the theatre in Willow Lake. After her graduation, she got an engagement ring from Bill and they were united in marriage at the Grace Lutheran Church in Watertown on September 15, 1951. She and Bill raised their family in the Willow Lake community, both in town and on the farm. When Bill decided to stop farming, due to health reasons, the family moved into Willow Lake and purchased Framstads Bar and renamed it Bill's Bar. Betty and Bill both worked there long hours for eight years. When her husband of 34 years died in 1985, Betty decided to go back to school. She attended the Human Services Course at Vo-Tech in Watertown and graduated at the age of 55, achieving honor roll status and the outstanding student in her class award. Betty worked at the Bryant Parkview Care Center, South Park Assisted Living, and at the Willow Lake Community Daycare. She often was called "Grandma Betty" by these young children, having five of her own grandchildren there over her time. She loved to quilt and made quilts for all of her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. She was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church GLCW, where she helped with the women's group and taught Sunday School and Bible School. Betty is survived by her children; Marie (Brian) Garman of Watertown, SD, Michael Grimm and special friend Amy Steffenson, Marlene (Chuck) Schuelke, Marian (Scott) Borg, and Margaret (Darin Mulder) Grimm all of Willow Lake, SD, two sisters; Cleo Glanzer of Miller, SD and Wanda Benson of Watertown. Betty is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren which include; Bill and Kay Whittle, Tommy Ogren, Chris and Tami Tucker, Carter and Summer Parker, Jaime and Spencer Whittle, Steve and Aimee Mattke, Cadin Buchholz, Brian, Rachel and Conor Mattke, Lucas, Jane and Jesse Mattke, Sarah Schuelke and Kyle Anderson, Cole, Sioux, Megan, Kevin, and Samantha Schuelke, Cory Borg, Adam, Ashley, Wesley and Gracie Borg, Matt and Bailey Borg, Levi Borg, Zach Mulder, Heather Mulder and Dave Roe, Tanner Stein, and Jady Roe. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and four brothers; Curtis, Harold, Marlo, and Melford. Funeral arrangements are with the Furness Funeral Home at Clark where there is an online registry at: www.furnessfuneralhome.com