Elisabeth M. Schadwinkel

ELISABETH MARIE SCHADWINKEL was born September 7, 1919 to Edward and Bessie (Carlton) Bode in Luverne Minnesota, where she was raised and attended school. On September 10, 1937 Betty was united in marriage to John Sandstede in Rock Rapids, Iowa. The couple made their home in Luverne. During this time, Betty really enjoyed her work as an employee at the Star Herald. She retired from the newspaper after 17 years of service. Over the years she also enjoyed time spent as a waitress at various local cafes. John preceded her in death on July 10, 1962. On March 20, 1964, Betty was united in marriage to Raymond Schadwinkel in Luverne. The couple bought an acreage south of town and resided there until returning to Luverne in 1972. The couple served many years as dedicated custodians to St. John Lutheran Church. Ray preceded her in death on December 3, 2000. In June of 2010, Betty became a resident at The Oaks apartments in Luverne. On Wednesday, August 22, 2012 Betty died peacefully at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 92 years, 11 months and 15 days.

Betty was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne where she was baptized and confirmed on August 2, 1942. She was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Luverne, where she had served as secretary. Betty enjoyed completing crossword puzzles, caring for her plants and flowers, sewing and making crafts.

Betty is survived by her two children, Ruth (Gene) Gehrke of Jasper, Minnesota and Robert (Kathy) Sandstede of Sioux Falls; two stepchildren, Barbara (Don) Westerbur of Jasper and Dennis Schadwinkel of Luverne; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; sister, Wanda Briggs of Luverne; and numerous other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Bessie Bode; two husbands, John Sandstede and Raymond Schadwinkel; son, John Sandstede; sister, Margaret Nieuwboer; brothers, John Bode and Dean Bode; and an infant grandson, David Gehrke.