August 1, 2019 – West Bend, WI – Bette J. Schwartz met her Lord and Savior at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 27 in New Perspectives Apt. 326 surrounded by her loving family and supported by her many friends at New Perspectives.
She was born Elizabeth Buksa on September 13, 1932 at the Buksa farm in Rib Lake, Wisconsin to George and Helen (Bucki) Buksa. She became known to all as, Bette. She received the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation at St. John’s the Baptist Catholic Church in Rib Lake. Growing up Bette attended the public grade school and graduated from Rib Lake High School as Valedictorian, Head Cheerleader and Band Majorette in the class of 1950.
On September 1st 1951, she married Walter Schwartz at St. John the Baptist Church parsonage. She brought to that union her first born son, Don, who was adopted by the love of her life, Walter. Together they went on to have four more children, losing their last born child at birth…yet hard as that was, they always thanked God for the gift of life and love. Their married life would be shared for 59 wonderful years.
In the early years of their marriage the family resided in Milwaukee. Then in 1961, they purchased their beautiful ranch home in Jackson where they would raise their family and remain living and loving for the next 44 years. It was in Jackson, they would welcome all 10 of their grandchildren and many of their great-grandchildren. It brought them such joy and happiness each time they held a new born baby.
Bette worked outside the home most of her life, starting at Rib Lake Bank, then American Can Company in Milwaukee, Badger Laboratory and Server Products, Jackson, retiring in 1999. All the while she worked full-time she always had a clean home, a warm delicious meal on the table each day and an open door for anyone in need. In the summer months her garden was bountiful and she enjoyed canning, freezing and sharing that bounty. She always shared her love with those around her.
After her retirement and move to their beloved Condo in West Bend, Walter and Bette so enjoyed meeting new friends and traveling this beautiful country. She also enjoyed many hours of cross-stitch, patching grandson’s blue jeans or repairing whatever came her way. Always sharing a cup of coffee and her homemade baked treats with whoever brought her sewing or just came for a visit.
For a number of years Bette enjoyed volunteering at The Threshold. It was a time of blessing for both Bette and the Clients. She served at both the Rolf’s Ave. facility and the LVS Center. Another love of hers was singing in the Resurrection Choir at St. Frances Cabrini Church. Her voice was so very sweet.
In one of her last conversations Bette said “I thank God for my wonderful life…life is a journey, a journey of indomitable faith, never ending trust, and unconditional love.”
Bette is survived by her loving children; Don (Myrna) Schwartz, Maureen (Lynn) Dyrcz, Gayle (Rick) Steiner, and Diane (Jack) Mayer; her beloved grandchildren Scott (Kelly) Dyrcz, Amy (Aaron) Haug, Lori Dyrcz, Andrea (Andrew) Kaehny, Robb (Chrissy) Steiner, Heidi (Michael) Prodoehl, Michael (Sara) Schwartz, Marc (Shaunna) Dyrcz, and Melanie Schwinn. She is also survived by her precious great-grandchildren Dylan and Jenna Dyrcz, Gavin, Maya, Malia and Grayson Haug, Elsa and Anya Kaehny, Mackenna, Ryan and Samantha Steiner, Brianna and Logan Prodoehl, Josephine and Zachary Schwartz and Aurelia, Autumn, and Benjamin Dyrcz. Her sisters-in-law; JoAnn (Buksa) Otto and Patricia Buksa. Bette’s life-long friends; Delores Kenney, Arlene Tucker and Donna Sauer.
Bette is preceded in death by her beloved husband Walter, whom she has longed to be reunited with since 2011, parents; George Buksa, Sr. and Helen Buksa Decker, parents-in-law; Mike and Margaret Schwartz, her infant son, Michael, her brothers; George, Dick and Mick Buksa, her sister-in-law Florine Schwartz Buksa, a granddaughter, Katie Thomas, grandson-in-law, Tim Schwinn, and niece Lynette Rau.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, August 5, 2019 at St Frances Cabrini Church with visitation before the Mass starting at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Memorials in Bette’s name may be made to The Threshold Foundation, 600 Rolfs Ave. West Bend, WI 53090. She would love nothing more than to leave a legacy of love, built on the foundation of serving others for years to come.
The family would like to especially thank Dr. Gwen Johnson and her nurse Nancy for their loving care through the years and Vitas Hospice, especially Nurse Beryl, Chaplain Debb, and Father Heppe who were so kind and helpful during Bette’s journey Home.
