Betty Mae Junkermeier

Betty Mae Junkermeier, age 95, of Willmar and formerly of Lake Lillian, passed away peacefully surrounded by her sons and daughter on Thursday morning, September 14, at CentraCare Rice Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 22, at the Rosendale United Methodist Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. 

Betty was born July 14, 1928, in Willmar MN, the daughter of Berger and Chloe Berg.  She grew up in Willmar and was baptized and confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church.  She graduated from Willmar High School in 1946 "the Chicks of 46".  Following graduation, she worked for FW Woolworths "Five-and-Dimes" store.  On December 21, 1949, she married Allan Dean Junkermeier and joined him in farming north of Lake Lillian.

Betty loved her family. You could often find her playing Hearts, Risk, Life, or other board games with her husband, Allan, or one of her four children, twelve grandchildren, or fourteen great-grandchildren. From Alaska to Massachusetts, Alberta to Arizona, she travelled near and far to support her children’s and grandchildren’s sports and activities. She constantly shared stories and anecdotes about her grandchildren's talents, graduations, jobs, and travels. She never forgot a birthday.

Betty’s bread and sugar cookies were beloved by all. She enjoyed canning vegetables from the garden and freezing corn. She never shied away from hard work, whether it was driving the tractor, unloading corn wagons, or running the motor while unloading hay. She was a member of Rosendale United Methodist church, where she sang in the choir and was active in women’s ministries and the monthly prayer circle. Her involvement in Eastern Star showcased her commitment to community and fellowship. Yet, in the midst of her busy life, she always found time to chat and visit with loved ones, savor some chocolate, and watch a game show.

While best known for her kindness and generosity, she was also a tough competitor. She took home many bowling league trophies, and weekly jaunts to Jackpot Junction (with her husband, Allan and her best friend, Ruth) resulted in several Bingo jackpots. A loyal Minnesota sports fan, she always cheered for the Twins, Lynx, and Vikings.

Heaven now embraces a remarkable wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Betty will be dearly missed, and her memory will continue to bring warmth and love to all who knew her.

She is survived by her four children, Kenneth Junkermeier of Phoenix, AZ., Nancy (and Steve) Norbie of Willmar, Jeff Junkermeier of Minnetonka, and Stacy (and Kim) Junkermeier of Lake Lillian; eleven grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Karol Brown of Hutchinson and Sandy Danielson of Willmar, as well as many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Allan; two grandchildren, Jennifer Huisinga Norbie and Zach Junkermeier; two brothers, Charles "Chuck" Berg and Eugene "Butch” Berg; and two brothers-in-law, Roger Danielson and Thomas Brown.