Betty Frese

BETTY LOU (PARKER) FRESE

Norway

Betty Lou (Parker) Frese, 86, formerly of Norway, passed away Monday, Feb. 8, 2016, surrounded by her children and grandchildren at Colonial Manor of Amana. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 12, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Norway. Burial will take place at St. Michael's Cemetery, Norway. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, at St. Michael's Parish Center with a rosary at 7 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.hrabakfuneralhome.com.

Betty was born on Aug. 31, 1929, in Cedar Rapids, to Walter and Nellie Parker. Betty met her husband, Franklin, while he was home on leave from World War II. He was in uniform, so it was "love at first sight." They later married on Feb. 13, 1947, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. They were married 59 years, spending the last of those years at Colonial Manor.

The majority of Betty's life was dedicated to being a wife, mother and homemaker to Franklin and their children. Betty enjoyed her visits from her children and grandchildren. She was a self-taught artist and did many beautiful paintings for her family. Her special one was of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which has hung in the Colonial Manor for many years (which explains her devout dedication to her rosary). Another hobby she loved was playing bingo, which she spent lots of time enjoying with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Kathy (Roger) DeMeulenaere of Victor, John (Jane) Frese of Florida, Tom (Carlene) Frese of Arizona, Connie LeMont of Cedar Rapids and Kevin Frese of Norway; 17 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and sister LaFonda of California.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Franklin; granddaughter, Lorie; parents; sisters, Dorothy and June; and brothers-in-law, Floyd and Ervin.

Betty was a lifelong member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Norway, altar and rosary and Norway Legion Auxiliary.