Bette Schweer
Bette L. Schweer, 99, of Davison, Mich., and formerly of West Liberty, passed away Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at The Landings of Genesee Valley Senior Living in Flint, Mich.
Bette Louise Zerneke was born on March 30,1925, in Burlington, Iowa. Her parents were Carl Ross and Louise M. (Hess) Zerneke. She graduated from Burlington High School in June of 1942 and attended Burlington Junior College. She worked as a bookkeeper for the former J.S. Schram Company and helped the WWII effort by being employed at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown, Iowa.
She moved to West Liberty in 1960 and did profile work for the Muscatine Journal and worked for the Wuestenberg Insurance Agency in the auto department. In 1963, she was employed at the former Louis Rich Foods as a secretary - where she met Victor, who was marketing manager for the plant. She was employed at the plant for nine years.
On July 12, 1969, she and Victor were united in marriage by the pastor Edward P. Nelson of Peace Lutheran Church of Rock Island, Ill.
On June 29, 1973, Bette and Victor purchased the local jewelry store in West Liberty and Schweer’s Jewelry and Gifts was born. They owned and operated this business for 25 years – many people in West Liberty and surrounding communities will always remember this successful endeavor.
Bette loved playing the piano and organ, beginning lessons at the age of 9. She was an active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and was organist for over 20 years. She played for services, choirs, special programs, weddings and funerals. To her, playing was a special joy.
She served on the Chamber of Commerce Board as a member and a past officer of West Liberty Woman’s Club - member of the American Legion Auxiliary #509 for over 40 years. She also volunteered through RSVP until her eye problems limited her activities. She enjoyed reading and needlework, but her favorite time was at 5 O’clock with Victor as they always enjoyed Happy Hour - their together time!
Bette and Vic sold their Jewelry Store in 1998, thinking it was time to retire. She was then asked by many if she ever considered teaching piano. This idea mushroomed and she gave lessons to many area children for several years. The “children” became her “little friends.”
In September 2013, Bette moved to Heath Manor Independent Living Facility - selling her residence that she and Victor shared and loved and held for 53 years, Heath Manor was special to her, as she was surrounded by friends. She continued her piano playing for sing-alongs and church services. She moved to Michigan to live with her son Jeff and daughter-in-law Deanna in 2021.
Bette loved being a “Mom” and being called “Grandma” was also a special joy. She is survived by son Jeffrey (Deanna) Tracy of Davison, Mich., son David (Bonnie) Tracy of Minnesota. Stepdaughters Sandra (Steve) Townsend of Moline, Ill., and Susan Lott of Addison, Ill. Also 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grand-children, and four great-great-grand-children. Also surviving is a nephew Kent (Jan) Knopp from Monticello, Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her husband Victor, her parents, grandparents, and her sister, Jeanne (Jack) Knopp.
Visitation was held 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Liberty. Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 17 (today), at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, West Liberty. Burial will be in the Oak Ridge Cemetery, West Liberty.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hendersonbarkerfuneralhome.com.
ONE LAST THOUGHT – BETTE SENDS EVERYONE “A SPECIAL HUG.”
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