Betty Szuminski

Betty Jane Szuminski, 94, of Wausau, formerly of the Town of Texas, passed away peacefully at Our House on July 26, 2021.

Betty was born in Wausau on April 5, 1927 to the late Otto and Inah (Wendorf) Behnke. She attended a one-room schoolhouse in Butternut Grove through 8th grade. She ran her family dairy farm in the Town of Texas and after retiring from the farming life, she babysat for various families. Betty was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in the Town of Wausau, where she was actively involved in Ladies Aid, Altar Guild, Cradle Roll, and Vacation Bible School. She played in a family polka band called “The Family Trio” with her sister and nephew for many years. She also entertained at local nursing homes on her button accordion along with her sister, Doris on guitar. She enjoyed doing embroidery and loved to play cards- especially Sheepshead.

Betty had a wonderful long life that was filled with the love of farming, family and deep faith. Betty was loved by all who touched her life.

Betty is survived by daughters Renee (Mark) Peterson and Marcia (Scott) Friedrich- both of Wausau; grandchildren Heather (Keith) Frenzel, Brad (Julie) Bublitz, Nicholas Friedrich; step-grandchildren Jesse (Heather) Peterson, Nicholas Peterson, Kristian (Andrea) Peterson; 7 great-grandchildren; 6 step great-grandchildren; 4 step great great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Jalenta Jagodzinski; and nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by parents; son Dwight; grandson Blake Bublitz; and sister Doris Borchardt.

A funeral service will be held Sunday, August 1, 2021 at 5:00 pm at St. Peters Lutheran Church, 238537 Del Rio Road, Wausau, WI 54403 with visitation beginning at 3:00 pm. Burial in the church cemetery will follow. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established for the church.

Our appreciation goes to the wonderful staff at Hospice, Wausau Manor and to those at Our House. In her words…“Thank you, thank you, thank you.”