Elizabeth 'Betty' Halberstadt

Elizabeth "Betty" (nee: Erdmann) Halberstadt, 76, passed away at her home on Monday, August 11, 2008. She was a lifelong resident of Racine, born on July 9, 1932, the daughter of Jacob and Mary (nee: Ball) Erdmann.

Betty was a 1950 graduate of William Horlick High School and served on the Class Reunion Committee for many years. On August 19, 1950, Betty was united in marriage to Carl E. Halberstadt. She was an active member of Second Presbyterian Church, where she served as an elder, deacon and was involved in many mission outreach programs. In addition, Betty sang in the choir and was a member of the Ladies Guild. She was a lover of lighthouses and visited as many as she could with her husband, Carl, or her daughters. Betty was an avid reader and a ferocious cribbage player. She loved nature and enjoyed hiking and found great enjoyment in going for her daily walks. Most of all she loved to have fun; whether joking with her kids, smushing dishwater suds or frosting in someone’s face, cooking or singing. Betty’s cup was always over flowing with life and love. She loved being a world traveler, she also enjoyed crocheting and needlework, but most of all she loved the time she spent with her family and friends.

Surviving are her children; Carl (Mary) Halberstadt, Curtis Halberstadt, Linda (Gary) Beesley, Craig Halberstadt, Chris (Julie) Halberstadt, Charles (Ann Buenzli) Halberstadt and Loni (Patrick) McCormick; grandchildren, Melissa (Michael) Grotelueschen, Brian (Jessica) Beesley, Sarah (John) Moore, Aaron Halberstadt, Benjamin McCormick, Katherine McCormick and Erica Eschbach; great grandchildren, Rebecca, Abigail and Charlie Grotelueschen, Jonathon and Anthony Beesley; sister, Mary Reinke; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Tis Erdmann, Irene Erdmann, Elizabeth Halberstadt, DelMae Halberstadt and Marjorie (William) Jensen. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Carl, on August 11, 2001; twin sons, Patrick and Michael; two brothers, Jacob and Stephen Erdmann; brothers-in-law, Bud Reinke, Glenn and Richard Halberstadt.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at Second Presbyterian Church, 1400 Kingston Ave., on Thursday, August 14, 2008, at 3 p.m. with Rev. Donald Clarke and Rev. Fiona Nicolaisen officiating. There will be a memorial visitation at the church on Thursday from noon until time of service.

Memorials to Friends of the Lighthouse, American Heart Assoc., 4701 W 77th St., Minneapolis, MN 55435, or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box, 902, Pewaukee, WI 53072-0902, have been suggested.

A very special thank you to Hospice Alliance and especially Darlene, for their care and compassion given to our Mom during her illness.

Sturino Funeral Home
3014 Northwestern Ave., Racine (262) 632-4479