Betty Kezar, 91, of Thief River Falls, MN passed away at her daughter’s home in Elbert, Colorado, surrounded by family August 31st, 2023.
Funeral Services for Betty will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN on September 12th at 2:00 PM, with Rev. Thomas Puffe officiating. Visitation to celebrate Betty’s life will be held at Johnson funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN, the evening of September 11th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Prayer Service. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN.
Betty Lou Trnka was born in Beaulieu, MN, on December 19th, 1931, the daughter of Joseph Trnka and Ethel (Busse) Trnka.
She was baptized and confirmed in the Missouri Synod Lutheran faith. She walked three miles from her farm home to a country school through the eighth grade. Her family then moved into Mahnomen, MN where Betty graduated from Mahnomen High School in 1949.
In 1949 Betty met her future husband Dennis Kezar at the Red Apple Cafe in Mahnomen. They were married on October 14th, 1950 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mahnomen.
Dennis entered the United States Navy in 1951 and served out of Norfolk, VA.
To this union a son, Mitch, was born in 1951. Betty and Mitch then joined Dennis in Norfolk. While living in Virginia, two more sons were born at the Navy Hospital, Steven and Joel.
Dennis was Honorably Discharged in November, 1955 and the family returned to Thief River Falls, MN. The family was then blessed with three more children, Danny, Nanci, and Kevin.
Betty and Dennis purchased a farm near Thief River Falls, where they raised their six children, and taught them good work ethics. Later years they built a charming log cabin up in the woods. The family gathered to hunt, play music together and cook amazing meals - enjoyed by all to this day.
The family was proud of the Dan-D Railroad they built circling the family farm. The Dan-D Railroad served various organizations such as class reunions, scoutings groups, school field trips and the like for over 15 years.
Betty was a Master Gardener. She canned, picked bucketloads of raspberries, and enjoyed God’s goodness in her gardens. Her Grandchildren enjoyed her amazing pancakes, donuts and family celebrations over the Holidays. Popsicles, slip and slides and endless train rides are among their favorite shared memories on Grandma Betty’s farm. With a competitive nature instilled into her every activity, Betty has been an inspiration to her Grandchildren.
A favorite period in Betty’s life were the many years she worked at the Pennington County Extension Office as a secretary. The friendships developed there were precious and lasting.
Betty was an active member of St John’s Lutheran church in Thief River Falls, serving on the LWML and various boards. Betty was a member of the local VFW Auxiliary.
Survivors include sons, Mitch (Ellen) of Delano MN, Joel (Marsha) of Thief River Falls, MN, Kevin of Syracuse, IN; daughter, Nanci (Pete) Sebald of Elbert, CO; grandchildren, Matthew Larson, Meghan Finch (Mike), Samual Kezar (Crystal), Mark Larson (Amy), Steven Reed, Benjamin Kezar (Kris), Nicholas Kezar (Sara), Billy Kezar, Wyatt Reed (Brianna), Andrew Kezar, Sarah Kezar, Adam Kezar; great-grandchildren, Ellie and Emmett Finch, Lily and James Kezar, Alice and Sam Kezar, Leo Kezar-Peterson, Liam Reed, Ethan and Ayden Larson, and Paul, Preston and Josie Larson.
She was preceded in death by her husband Dennis in 2006; two sons Steven in 1972, and Danny in 1978; Danny’s widow, Cindy; Betty’s parents and all siblings, Bud, Alene, Art, Marvin, David and Les and their spouses.
