Elizabeth Bemis' Obituary
Elizabeth “Betty” Bemis
Waupaca, WI Elizabeth “Betty” Bemis (nee Knaapen), 82, passed away on August 17, 2008 due to complications from a stroke. Betty was born on January 18, 1926 in Algoma, WI, the daughter of Joseph and Johanna (Gloudemann) Knaapen. She married Floyd C. Bemis on January 2, 1950 in Sturgeon Bay, WI. He preceded her in death on February 24, 2004. Surviving relatives include her eight children: Patricia (John) Ross, Margaret (Douglas) DeMond, Michael (Shauna) Bemis, Jeffrey (Diane) Bemis, Peter (Deborah) Bemis, Janet (Mitchell) Bergen, John (Christie) Bemis, and Timothy Jill) Bemis. Betty doted on her 32 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren: Michael (Denise) DeMond, Jonathon (Jamie) DeMond, Bethany (Ross) Hacker, Maggie (Mark) VanderLee, Scott Ross, Jeffrey (Patty) Ross, Tony Ross, Katy Ross, Marcie (Dan) Rauls, Ben (Lauren) Bemis, Joe Bemis, Tom Bemis, Callie Bemis, Kate Bemis, Leah Bemis, Kayla Bemis, Megan Bemis, Jenna (Tom) Ziemer, Kyle Bemis, Michelle Bergen, Danielle Bergen, Aaron (Mindy) Pankow, Max Bergen, Emma Bemis, Johanna Bemis, Seth Bemis, Lucas Gause, Maya Bemis, Paul Bemis, Jolyn Bemis, Jamie Bemis, Matthew Bemis, Kyle Ross, Alexa Ross, Aubrey Ross, Brandon Ross, Jacob Rauls, Tyler Rauls, Violet Hacker, Annabelle Hacker, Joe DeMond, Jack DeMond, Jamie Drake, Matthew Olk, Caleb DeMond and most recently, Elizabeth VanderLee. Betty is also survived by two sisters; Pal (Mike) Scahill of South Carolina and Marie (Glenn) Ehnert of Milwaukee, WI. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband; Floyd, her parents, two brothers; Jim and Bill Knaapen, and two sisters; Kate Hurd and Rica Antoine. Betty lived in Sturgeon Bay for many years. She loved Lake Michigan and entertained her grandchildren with the stories of her youth there. An artist, Betty’s favorite subject was nature, and she created beautiful scenes of water, sky, rocks, and trees. Betty appreciated the beauty in all things and in all people. She lived her life in color, and was happy to spend hours laughing with her children. Betty had a quick wit and an open heart. She treated everyone she encountered as a friend and charmed everyone in her path. She will be remembered dearly and sorely missed. A funeral mass will be held at the St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Waupaca, WI on Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 11:00 AM, with Father Brian Belongia, celebrant. Interment will be in the St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Cemetery in Waupaca. Friends may call at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca on Wednesday evening from 4:00 – 7:00 PM, and at the church on Thursday morning from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. A Rosary Service will be held on Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM at the Holly Funeral Home. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.
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