Betty Spreitzer

Betty (Elizabeth) Spreitzer, 95, of Duluth, Minnesota, died peacefully the morning of December 7, 2012, at Benedictine Health Center surrounded by her family.

Betty was born in Soudan, MN November 10, 1917 to Ludwig and Helena Mesojedec. In 1937, she married the love of her life Frank Spreitzer of Ely, MN. They established their home in Duluth and began raising their family which eventually grew to include 10 children. Frank died suddenly in 1961 leaving Betty with the task of rearing the children alone... .God bless her!

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Frank, by her daughter Carol (1970), sons Peter (1982) and Frank (1989), brothers Joseph Mesojedec, Herman, Al, Edward, Jed, sister Vida Popesh and granddaughter Danielle Grandmaison and 2nd husband Frank Murphy

As a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Betty was known to many as a woman of great strength and character. She was a selfless individual who consistently worked hard and cared for her family and friends. She had a reservoir of endless love and was an example of joy and grace. Guided through life by her faith, she was a devout Catholic and enjoyed praying the rosary. It was with her children that she lovingly shared memories of her youth in Tower/ Soudan, her Slovenian cooking expertise (potica) and love of card playing. She will be remembered for her welcoming smile and the love she exuded when she was with her family. To all of us, she was the sunshine of our lives.

As a young mother and wife she was an active member of St. Anthony's parish and elementary school, PTA, Ladies Guild, Daughter's of Isabella and third order of St. Francis.

Betty is survived by seven of her children:
Betty Helstrom, Julienne (Jim) Abelsen, Sandy (Dan) Grandmaison, Joe (Peggy) Spreitzer, Jim (Katie) Spreitzer, Ed Spreitzer and Mary Morris.
She is also survived by sisters Helen Adkisson, Aggie Taylor, Rose Passi, Polly Wiirre, Zella Demasi, 25 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren.

Visitation; Monday Dec 10th begin at 5pm with Wake Prayers at 7pm Dougherty Funeral Home.
Visitation will continue Tuesday Dec 11th at 10am with Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church 2410 Morris Thomas Road Duluth. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are preferred and, should be sent to CHUM, 102 W. 2nd St., Duluth, MN 55802. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd St. Duluth. (218) 727-3555.