Betty Jane (Peterson) Liesch

Betty Jane Liesch, age 93 of Frederic, WI, passed away on June 27, 2021. She was born to Leonard R and Hulda S Peterson of Centuria, WI on December 8, 1927. She was the 4^th of 5 children.

Betty's infectious laugh revealed her optimistic outlook on life.  She experienced more than her fair share of tragic events in her life which molded her into a very gracious, hardworking, and faithful person. 

Betty walked two miles to Maple Grove school in Balsam Lake Township through 8^th grade, and then attended St. Croix Falls High School, graduating in 1947.

Her younger brother Chester succumbed to scarlet fever in 1937. The whole family was quarantined, and Betty had to repeat 3rd grade due to not being able to go to school for many months during Chester’s illness. Betty remembers the kindness of the Red Cross putting food in their mailbox during that time.

In 1941 the family had gathered to celebrate her birthday on December 8^th, and that is when the news of Pearl Harbor became known. Betty often talked about that day and how the family gathered around the radio listening to the latest news about the attack.

In 1944 her father who was a World War I vet passed away from injuries he sustained while working in the shipyard in Superior during World War II. 

Fristad Lutheran church in Centuria, Wisconsin was a very important part of her formative years, walking the 3 miles into town to attend church.

After high school Betty moved to an apartment in Frederic to work at the Farmers State Bank Monday through Fridays. She returned to help on the family farm on weekends via the train. After working at the bank for 10 years, her future husband Larry Liesch, passed her a note at the teller window asking her to go out on a date. The rest is history.

Larry and Betty were married November 28^th, 1959, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They resided in Frederic where Larry was a barber. They purchased a small farm at the edge of town and began raising two children, Charles and Carolyn. Betty gave up her career in banking to raise her children, as well as provide daycare for others. Larry and Betty thoroughly enjoyed those years together with antiquing, gardening, fishing, camping, rock collecting, playing 500, whatever they could do together. It really did not matter what they were doing as long as they were doing it together. They loved being in each other’s presence.

In 1974, Betty tragically lost Larry to cancer. During this heartbreaking period, even though she did not have a driver’s license or steady employment, she was able to purchase a house in town where she would live for the next 43 years. Soon afterwards she started working at the Beaudry company, which was just a few blocks from her new home.  Betty worked there for close to 30 years.

Betty was quick to laugh and especially enjoyed her family and friends. Her joy and laughter were contagious.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband Larry, father Leonard, mother Hulda, brothers Chester, Reynold and Laverne, sister Frances and niece Janice.

Betty leaves to celebrate her memory: son, Charles (Cheryl) Liesch, Grantsburg, WI; daughter, Carolyn (Mark) Lenz, Lino Lake, MN; stepson, Donald Liesch, Luck, WI; grandchildren: Rebecca, Peter, Elizabeth, Kayla (Andy), Zac (Steph), Brandon, Terry, Steve and Mike, niece, Diane, nephew, Gary and other family and friends.

The funeral service for Betty will be held at the Crosswalk Community Church, 505 Old County Road W, Frederic, WI on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at 11:00 A.M.  Pastor Greg Lund will officiate, and music will be provided by Carol Everson.  Visitation will be held at the church beginning at 10:00 A.M. until the time of service.  Please stay for lunch following the service.

She will be laid to rest on Friday, July 2, 2021, at the Fristad Lutheran Cemetery in Centuria.  Pallbearers will be her grandchildren: Rebecca, Kayla, Andy, Zac, Steph, Peter, Brandon and Elizabeth.

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with arrangements.

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