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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
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Bette Baumgartner
BETTE MAE BAUMGARTNER
Cedar Rapids
Bette Mae Baumgartner (formerly Bette Kolkmeier), 78, passed away Jan. 3, 2017, in Palm Springs, Calif. Prior to residing in Palm Springs, Bette lived and raised four children, with Charlie Kolkmeier in Cedar Rapids.
Due to Bette's wishes, an intimate family celebration will be held.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Edna Riley; her brother, Connie Riley and his wife, Anne; and her brother, Tom Riley (all of Cedar Rapids).
Bette is survived by her husband, Joe Baumgartner of Palm Springs; her sister-in-law, Nan Riley of Cedar Rapids; her children, Kelle Kolkmeier (Dan Sauerbrei) of Cedar Rapids, Torre Kolkmeier Swanson of Lake Zurich, Kip Kolkmeier (Barb) of Boulder and Cam Kolkmeier of Cedar Rapids; her grandchildren, Lydia (Brant), Andrew, Melina, Elyse (Brennan), Katherine, Charlie and Hannah; and three great-grandchildren, Danny, Ashlynn and Vaeda.
Bette was born Aug. 23, 1938, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She attended and graduated from Franklin High School, followed by one year at Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Mo., where she met Charlie Kolkmeier. They were married in Cedar Rapids on Sept. 13, 1958. During Bette's years in Cedar Rapids, she was active in the Junior League, a board member of the Cedar Rapids Symphony and was very involved with PEO, a philanthropic organization that helped many members of the community.
Bette was known for her ability to host a party that would be fondly remembered, including the dishes served, the entertainment provided and the atmosphere of celebration and laughter. Her love for travel led to many spectacular vacations for her family, both in America and abroad. All of her children have embraced this passion for travel. Another one of Bette's loves were the variety of dogs she and Charlie raised. In particular, Anthony (an Old English Sheepdog), the two huskies who shall not be named, her most recent addition, Molly, as well as many others who enjoyed all the amenities of a loving home.
Bette will be greatly missed by many friends not only in Cedar Rapids, but throughout California and Idaho. If Bette touched your life in any way, please send a donation to the charity of your choice.
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