Amalie Beth “Betsy” Zein, 71, of Elkader, died Tuesday, June 25, 2019, at The Bird House – Hospice Home of Johnson County in Iowa City. She was born July 22, 1947, in Elkader to Horace “H.K.” and Helen (Lenth) Roggensack.
Betsy graduated from Elkader High School in 1965. Following high school, she attended Wartburg College, graduating with degrees in English and Biology. She was united in marriage to Elias Zein and lived in the Los Angeles and Phoenix areas for a time before he passed away.
She returned to Elkader where she had her daughter, Erin, and worked at Central Community School so she could spend as much time with her as possible. She worked at the preschool, Volga middle school, and served as Central’s library aide for over 25 years before retiring in 2013. Known for her sweet nature and infectious smile, Betsy was a friend to anyone she came in contact with. She was an avid lap swimmer who enjoyed summers at the Elkader pool. She also enjoyed crosswords, Sudoku, watching Jeopardy, and reading. Spending time with family and friends and having meaningful conversations was also very precious to Betsy.
Survivors include her daughter Erin (Matt) Scott-Burnham of North Liberty; one grandchild, Cameron; three stepchildren, Bob (Laura) Heath of Dubuque, Tom (Yalesca) Heath of Dubuque, Matt (Valerie) Heath of Des Moines; eight step grandchildren; two nephews, Claus (Kerri) Roggensack of Lafayette CA, Michael (Monique) Roggensack of Swakopmund, Namibia; companion, Leland Troester of McGregor, and her two dogs, Barney and Mick.
Betsy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elias Zein; long-time companion, Bob Heath, and brother, Steve Roggensack
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Bird House – Hospice Home of Johnson County.
Visitation will be held from 2-5 pm on Sunday, June 30, 2019 at Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Monday.
Funeral Service will be at 10:30 am on Monday, July 1, 2019 at Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader, Iowa with Rev. Jon Haack as the officiant.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.