Betty Irene Spindler, 77, of Park Rapids, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2009, following a valiant battle against cancer at Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Park Rapids with her loved ones at her side.
She was born to Irene and Berthold Hartung on May 10, 1931, in Wadena County. As a child she spent much of her time on her grandparents' farm near Bluegrass. She attended country school through the eighth grade and then went on to attend the Verndale Public High School, graduating with the class of 1949. As a young woman, she gained employment in the Wadena area for a number of years. In the mid-1950s she ventured to Park Rapids where she worked as a waitress for Lundberg's Supper Club. On March 21, 1958, she married Forrest O. Spindler in Park Rapids. She devoted herself to making a warm and loving home for her husband and daughter. She was a wonderful cook and baker who will be long remembered for her delicious homemade apple pie. She enjoyed sewing clothes for her daughter and was also a gifted crocheter. When Kathy was older, Betty agreed to temporary work cleaning the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post 212 in Park Rapids. This "temporary" assignment turned into a 23-year long career. She loved to work outside and enjoyed raising many beautiful flowers into colorful splendor for all to see and enjoy. She enjoyed the mental challenge of working a good crossword puzzle. She loved animals and especially had enjoyed the companionship of her Beagle, Nickie. She was a woman of strong and abiding faith, which helped her through the difficulties that life confronts us with.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, at the Faith Baptist Church in Park Rapids with the Rev. Russ Paulson officiating. The active casket bearers will be Ronald Piepkorn, Scott Piepkorn, Terry Piepkorn, Steve Young, Ron Young and Tom Fitzsimmons. Honorary casket bearers will be "The Girls" at the Innovis Clinic: Marti Fischer, Kathy Oines, Bev Phelps and special friend Cindy Bradow. Interment will be made in the Greenwood Cemetery of Park Rapids. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids and again on Thursday beginning one hour prior to the services at the church.
Survivors include her husband, Forrest; her daughter, Kathy (Jeff) Anderson of Park Rapids; her brother-in-law, Ronald Piepkorn of Wadena; and much loved nieces and nephews, cousins and aunt.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Douglas Hartung; and her sister, Patricia.
