Obituary: Betty J. (Jolivette) Haakenson - Class of 1947

MARSHALL - Betty J. Haakenson, age 78, passed away on Wednesday, Sept, 10, 2008, at Helen's Happy Home in Deerfield. Betty was born on Dec. 21, 1929, in Abbotsford, the daughter of Edwin and Eda (Heggesta) Jolivette. She was a 1947 graduate of Central High School of Madison. On Aug. 25, 1955, she married Stanley Haakenson in Des Moines, Iowa, and he preceded her in death on Jan. 10, 1987. Betty and Stan farmed outside of Marshall until they moved into town in 1970. After being diagnosed with Alzheimers, Betty moved to Shady Rest and most recently Helen's Happy Home for the additional care that she needed. Betty was employed at Wisconsin Porcelain in Sun Prairie and she was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church where she served on church council, taught Sunday School and was a WELCA member. Betty loved to bowl and was a diehard sports fan, following the Brewers, Badgers and Packers. Survivors include her children, Kim Haakenson of Green Bay, Sheri (Tim) Benson of Mauston and Harry (Kathy) Haakenson of Sun Prairie; five grandchildren, Angela (Kurt) Radloff, Melanie Lazers, Mark Benson, Kirk Benson and Erik Benson; her brothers and sister, Richard (Virginia) Jolivette of Fountain Hills, Ariz., June Carlson of Manhattan, Kan., and Wayne Jolivette of Cottage Grove; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was further preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Carol Paulson; and a brother, Arthur Jolivette. A memorial service will be held on Monday, Sept. 15, 2008, at 6 p.m. at HOLY TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH in Marshall with Pastor Paul Anderson officiating. Family burial will be in Medina Cemetery. Family and friends may call on Monday from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the church. Betty was an avid reader and patron of the Marshall Library; memorials may be made to the Marshall Public Library or the charity of one's choice. Hart-Vick Funeral Home of Marshall is serving the family.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 13, 2008