Betty Ann Reimer, 87, of Omro, passed away Wednesday, June 1st with family by her side.
Betty was born December 21st, 1928 in Cudahy, WI to Albert and Cecelia Petrick. She was the eldest girl of seven children. She was primarily raised in Crandon, WI. Upon graduating from Crandon class of '47, she moved to Oshkosh to attend the Oshkosh Business College where she earned a four year degree. She moved to Omro in 1953 after marrying and having two sons.
From a young age Betty was always a highly motivated young woman. She always knew she wanted a career and she had many. She worked as a bookkeeper for Race Office Equipment, a public accountant, an executive secretary for 10 years at Universal Foundry, a personal banker at Western State Bank, an administrative worker at United Way, an executive assistant to the sales managers at Carolina Soap and Lenox Candle, as a bookkeeper for Oshkosh and Winnebago County Housing Authority until retiring at age 63. Betty's 1st retirement lasted about 2 minutes before she found her next challenge. She was elected as the Town Clerk of Omro and held that role for 15 years while simultaneously spearheading the Omro Sanitary District as the President and administrator, overseeing its growth from a small project that developed into a multi-million dollar business. She retired for her 4th and final time in April 2012.
After moving to the Fox Valley she became very active in several women's group. She joined the Wisconsin Federation of Business and Professional Woman and served as President of the local chapter, Wisconsin state President, and national committee. Under the BPW, Betty helped facilitate fundraisers for scholarships and legal defense funds for Christine Ann Center of Oshkosh. She served as a delegate to United Nations Women's Conference in Guatemala and Mexico. Betty was a delegate to the Women's Conference in Texas sponsored by the US under President Gerald Ford; one of the four Presidents she had the privilege of personally meeting. She was also a member and served as Bulletin Editor of Oshkosh Area Women's Directors' newsletter. She served as a member of the board and organizer of the original Wisconsin Business Women's Credit Union, later housed in Marshfield, WI. Betty was also an Omro Kiwanis member and served in most projects since 1991 and was Treasurer of the local club. As a member of the Omro School Board Committee that evaluated the future of schools, Betty helped pass a referendum resulting in the Omro High School being built. She also received an award for the 15 years she served on the committee of the Omro Rushford Fire Board. These are just a few examples of how Betty fought for the empowerment of woman. Betty's list of accomplishments are too numerous to acknowledge here.
After her children had grown, Betty traveled extensively all over the globe. She stood on the Great Wall of China, enjoyed much of Europe with time spent in France, Germany, England, Greece, and Italy. Betty's adventures further included all of North America, with stops in every state in the US, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, and Mexico.
Betty was an amazing woman who will be deeply missed not just by her family and friends, but by the community. She was a selfless individual who saw the good in everyone.
Betty is survived by; her son, Steven Reimer of Omro; grandchildren, Shannon Reimer, Jeremy Reimer, Adena Reimer Traster (Charles); Deanna Freeman(Preston), Casey Reimer, David Reimer, Stephanie Reimer, Michael Reimer, Germany; Great grandchildren, Mitchell and Brianna Reimer; Morganne Reed; James and Grace Stenson, Donovan and Isabella Traster; Dalton, Piper, and Preslie Freeman; Tucker and Triutt Reimer. Betty is further survived by; Virginia (Ginna) Milling and husband Karl of Watertown; her sister Noreen Durant of Winona, MN; and numerous cherished nieces and nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by; her parents, Albert and Cecelia Petrick; her brothers, Rueben, Albert Jr. and Dale Petrick, sister Shirley Gouker; son, Gary Reimer; great grandchild, Isaiah Traster.
Visitation for Betty will be held at Seefeld Funeral Home, 1025 Oregon St, Oshkosh, WI 54902 on Thursday, June 9th from 4-8pm and again on Friday, June 10th from 10-11am with the funeral immediately after. A luncheon will be served following the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in Betty Reimer's name.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Diane Halverson for the help she has provided.