Elizabeth L.(Pearson) Kongstvedt

Elizabeth L. Kongstvedt, “Betty,” age 90 passed away Monday, January 25, 2010, at Ridgewood Care Center. She was born in Duluth, MN, October 23, 1919, daughter of the late Sidney and Christine (Nee: Smith) Pearson.

Betty graduated from the Duluth State Teachers College (now a part of the University of Minnesota) with majors in both History and Music. On June 11, 1945, in Duluth, she was united in marriage to Gerald N. “Jerry” Kongstvedt who preceded her in death on September 10, 1995. Betty was a true educator, and had a full-time career in teaching. In the early 1960s, Betty began her teaching career with the Racine Unified School District teaching at Trautwein School. Her career took her next to Washington Junior High School and then to Gilmore Middle School prior to her retirement.

Betty was a member of the AAUW, REA, WEA, Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church, the Democratic Party, the Hoy Nature Club, and the Racine Symphony. She was also a founding member of the (YWCA) Y-Wives. Betty was an intelligent woman and had a good sense of humor. She was an accomplished and gifted musician who could arrange music, play piano, organ and pipe organ. She took great pride in having played the five-manual pipe organ (in high school) for the school assemblies. She loved cats and was a voracious reader. Anyone who knew Betty, knew that she was a proud Duluthian, even though she lived in Racine for over 60 years. She was a thirty-year breast cancer survivor and will be dearly missed.

Surviving are her daughter, Chris (Steve) Lieberman of Racine and Grand Rapids, MI; son, Dr. Peter (Emily) Kongstvedt of McLean, VA; four grandchildren, Cody (Grand Rapids, MI), Jamie, and Kate Lieberman of Racine, David Kongstvedt of McLean, VA; other relatives and dear friends.

Private services will be held with entombment at West Lawn Memorial Park. Memorials to Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church, the Hoy Nature Club or the Racine Symphony Orchestra have been suggested.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the nurses and aides at Ridgewood Care Center 1E and 1W for their loving and compassionate care. Also a special thank you to Reverend Tony Larson for his support and compassion given to Betty and the family.

MARESH-MEREDITH AND ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888