Betty Jean Franklin Brown

BETTY JEAN FRANKLIN BROWN

Cedar Rapids

7/11/1923 - 12/15/2021

Betty grew up in Burlington, Iowa, the youngest child of Minnie Pogemiller and Albin Franklin. She was a quiet, shy 12-year-old when she first met Walter Junior Brown as they watched the new Zephyr pass through town. She told her mother she would marry "Junior" one day. In high school she played volleyball and colorized photos, but especially enjoyed home economics. She always wanted to be a mother and homemaker, and in her long

life she excelled at both. She married

Walter in January of 1942 amid concerns about the recent attack on Pearl Harbor. Her life was profoundly affected by the Great Depression and World War II.

War work for Collins Radio took Walt and Betty to Cedar Rapids, where daughters, Karen and Cindy were born. Betty was an active member of Salem (EUB) United Methodist Church and her neighborhood group, Hobby Club. She created candles and sold them from home for several years. She was a great home decorator and marvelous cook, well-known for her spaghetti, chicken 'n' noodles, jello salads and fancy meals. She loved antiques, music and crafts. She sewed many of her own and her daughters' clothes.

Betty cared for Walt through his sickness until his death in 1990. Her last years were spent in Waupun, Wis., close to family.

She loved and was loved by her daughters, Cindy Rogers (and husband Gary) of New Holstein, Wis., and Karen Brown of Monterey Calif.; and grandchildren, Samantha Rogers, Madison Wis., Grant Rogers (wife: Shannon) of New Holstein, and Kateyrae Brown, Seaside, Calif. She also leaves two great-grandchildren, Bentley and Lilly Rogers.

Betty's ashes will be mingled with Walt's at Cedar Memorial Cemetery. There will be no service.