Betty Joan Gingerich, 91 years young, gained her official angel wings on July 7, 2024 at the Gundersen Health System in LaCrosse, WI after sudden complications from pneumonia.
She was born June 23, 1933 the daughter of Carrol and Vera (Blanchard) Danner. During high school, Betty was active in 4H and worked at the local ice cream shop where she served chocolate malts after football practice to her high school sweetheart, Delmar C. Gingerich whom she married on March 22, 1953 at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Taylor Ridge, IL.
Betty and Delmar farmed in West Liberty and Atalissa, IA for many years. Betty also worked at Proctor and Gamble in Iowa City, IA, all while raising their three children, Peggy, Dan and Dino. In 1969, they moved their family to McGregor, IA where they operated and owned The Holiday Shores Motel, turning customers into lifelong friends. Betty and Delmar employed many in the community during their years at Holiday Shores where many fondly remember breaks of Tang, a full size candy bar and a pop out of the old Pepsi machine. In 1993 Betty and Delmar moved to their retirement home in McGregor. During retirement, they traveled for Gencor-Bituma providing parts to different work locations throughout the country. Over the years, they traveled as much as possible and loved going to Las Vegas, NV for the National Finals Rodeo. They also took each of their children and their families on Hawaiian vacations. Betty cared for Delmar in their home for years and after he passed, Betty spent much of her time visiting family and friends and making weekly, if not daily phone calls to those she loved. Recently, she enjoyed keeping up with everyone through social media and would be the first to ‘love’ the pictures and activities of her family and friends.
Betty loved to be surrounded by fellowship and family. She also loved to sew, bake and cook and was famous for her dill pickle roll ups. She loved sweets as much as she was sweet herself. She was the most genuinely nice, happy and selfless woman with a strong faith. She had no enemies or room for any cross words or anger in her heart. She had time for every phone call and conversation and never forgot to send a birthday card. She offered whatever you needed before you even asked – there were no favors too big and no miles too far. She cared about everyone she met and was a saint on earth to her family. She will be missed immensely.
Betty is survived by her children Peggy (Randy) Underwood of Manawa, WI, Dan Gingerich and Dino Gingerich both of McGregor, IA; grandchildren Joshua (and friend Samantha) Wade, Nicole (Robert) Corlett, both of McGregor, IA, Trudie (Carl) Meyer of Solon, IA, Danny (Aspen) Gingerich and Carrie (Rob) Shaw both of McGregor, IA; great grandchildren Gavyn (and friend Kate) Wade, Addison, MaKenzie, Elise and Peyton Corlett, Kaiah, Kadyn (and special grand fur baby Baya) Meyer, Bexley and soon-to-be baby brother Gingerich and Grace, Joel and Isaac Shaw; and great-great grandson Weston Wade. Betty is also survived by her brother Louis (Sandy) Danner of Atalissa, IA and sister Charlotte (Dean) Toburen of Harleysville, PA; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, step grandchildren and step great grandchildren (Nate, Kate, Liam and Caleb Underwood, Teresa and Barry Olberding, Ty Eggers, Trista Eggers, Layne, Oliver and Colton).
Preceding Betty in death was her husband, Delmar, her parents Carrol and Vera Danner, son-in-law Chris Scarff and daughter-in-law Jill Gingerich.
A Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, July 14, 2024 at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in McGregor, Iowa. There will also be a visitation from 9:30 am to time of service at the church on Monday.
Funeral Service will be at 10:30 am on Monday, July 15, 2024 at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in McGregor, Iowa with Pastor Brent Keller as the officiant.
Burial will directly follow funeral services at Pleasant Grove Cemetery. After burial, a luncheon will be served in the basement of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of McGregor, Iowa is assisting the family with services.