Betty Lou Minton

Betty Lou Minton, born on March 24, 1924, in the busy city of Chicago, passed away quietly at Prairie Pointe Assisted Living in Altoona, Wisconsin on February 1, 2024. She was just shy of her 100th birthday. Born to Norwegian parents, she and her family lived on the near north side of Chicago, in a diverse ethnic neighborhood of Norwegian, Swedish, Polish, Italian and Jewish families. Betty’s early years were marked by her athleticism, including her achievements as a skilled long blade ice skater. She loved participating in all of the after-school activities at the neighborhood playground near their apartment.

Betty graduated from Roosevelt high school and had hopes of furthering her education but due to the financial constraints of her time, Betty, along with her 3 siblings, entered the workforce immediately after high school. Betty worked at the renowned Merchandise Mart in downtown Chicago, commuting daily on the elevated train.

Throughout her life, Betty embraced new challenges. Her passion for golf began when she and a neighbor walked from their homes to the golf course, teaching themselves the game. Through competitive events she eventually became a champion woman’s golfer at her local golf course, the Eau Claire Golf and Country Club.

In her early 20’s, fate led her to a chance encounter with a handsome and charismatic young man, Lee Minton, during a summer escape to northern Wisconsin. This encounter blossomed into a lifelong romance, resulting in marriage and the birth of their three children: Chris, Buzz, and Jenny.

Betty’s adventurous and willing spirit shone as she and Lee embarked on hunting, fishing, and other travels to captivating destinations. In the early ‘60s, the family built a log cabin in northern Wisconsin. With 3 young children to keep an eye on and an ambitious husband to keep up to, she immersed herself in the experience and did it all! Over the years she developed a deep love of nature and the great outdoors.

As her children grew older, Betty dedicated over 50 years of volunteer service at Luther Hospital; initially in the kitchen serving guest meals and later in the gift shop. A devoted wife and mother, Betty balanced the responsibilities of family life with a zest for adventure. She was a cherished friend, and admired by many for her warm heart, resilience, and commitment to a life welllived.

Betty was also the very proud grandmother of her two granddaughters, Emily and Alison and her two great grandchildren Jack and Morgan.

She was preceded in death by her husband, H. Lee Minton Jr., her mother, Alice Nervig and her father, Theodore Nervig and her two brothers and one sister, Theodore Nervig, Richard Nervig and Norma Chraska. Betty is survived by her children and their spouses, Chris Henricks (Ed), H. Lee (Buzz) Minton lll (Mary Ann) and Jenny Minton, her grandchildren and spouses, Alison Vermeil (Rick), Emily Beardsley (Grant) and great grandchildren, Jack and Morgan Beardsley. Betty Lou Minton’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched; leaving behind a tapestry of memories woven with love, laughter, and the spirit of adventure. May she rest in eternal peace.

A celebration of life memorial will be held at the First Congregational Church in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on Tuesday, February 20 with The Rev. Dr. Mark X. Pirazzini officiating. Visitation will take place at the church from 11:00 to 11:30 with a  service at 11:30 am and a light luncheon at the church immediately following the service. 

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.