Betty Jane Ruenger

Betty Jane Ruenger, age 100, of Markesan, was reunited with the love of her life as she was welcomed into heaven on October 28th, 2024.  Betty was born on October 17th, 1924, in Fond Du Lac County, the daughter of Erwin and Clara (Menke) Schwandt.  She was baptized and confirmed at the Zion Evangelical Church in Markesan.  She graduated from Markesan High School in 1942.  Her father, “Butch”, owned a livestock trucking business and due to WWII his drivers were drafted, so Betty and her sister, Bernice, became pioneer lady livestock truckers for the duration of the war.  Later she was employed as a secretary at the Matt Rens Hemp Company in Markesan.

On January 14th, 1950, Betty married Carleton Ruenger at Zion Evangelical Church in Markesan.  They operated their dairy farm on Mackford Prairie until they moved to Markesan in 1975.  Countless memories were made on the farm while raising three children.

Betty was owner and operator of a special education bus line from 1960-1980 and transported students to various schools for C.E.S.A. #13.  She was also employed as a seasonal worker for Del Monte for 20 years, officially retiring at the age of 80.

Betty was a member of the Markesan Methodist Church, the Friendship Circle, and the choir.  She enjoyed singing in duets, quartettes, and choirs.  She was involved in volunteer work and was an avid reader.  Betty also enjoyed watching sports activities.  Betty enjoyed going on trips with her family and recently stated her favorite trip was to Europe.

Betty just recently turned 100 and on her birthday she celebrated that day with her North Terrace family (staff and friends), along with immediate family.  She was Queen for the day!  Then on October 19th, she celebrated again with family and friends.  She enjoyed every minute of it.  Anyone who was close to Betty knew that her goal was to get to 100 years old, so that her name could be placed on the plaque of centurions at the Markesan Resident Home.  She did just that and she did it with a zest for life like no other.

Betty is survived by her daughter Robin (Wayne) Berg of Markesan, two sons, Jay (Barbara) Ruenger of Beaver Dam, and Clair (Brenda) Ruenger of Richfield.  Grandsons Wyatt Berg (Katie Casey) of Markesan, Joshua (Lindsey) Ruenger of Wauwatosa, and Jason Ruenger (Emily Stolz) of Milwaukee.  Granddaughters Erin (Matt) Boyd of Wauwatosa and Alison (Jim) Brown of Markesan.  Seven great-grandchildren Elijah, Nolan, and Madeline Boyd, Lakely, Jemma, and Brixton Brown, and Theodore Ruenger.  She is further survived by nieces, nephews, and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Carleton, in 2020, after 70 years of marriage.  Her brother Roland and wife Vivian Schwandt, as well as her sister Bernice and husband Malcom MacDonald.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to noon on Monday, November 4th, 2024, at the United Methodist Church, 74 E. Catherine St, Markesan, WI 53946.

A funeral service will be held at noon on Monday, November 4th, 2024, at the United Methodist Church in Markesan with burial to follow at Markesan Memorial Cemetery.

Afterwards a gathering time and luncheon will be provided at the United Methodist Church.

The family would like to express sincerest thanks to her “second family”, Markesan Resident Home and North Terrace Assisted Living staff for the wonderful care she has received over the last two years.  They also would like to thank Hospice Home of Hope for the comfort they provided in her final days.