Bethine "Betty" Klinker

Bethine “Betty” Mae Klinker was born May 5, 1931, the daughter of Clarence and Thelma Kraft Christianson. She passed away Monday, December 9, 2013, at Westhaven Community in Boone, Iowa, at the age of 82.
Betty was born in Castana, Iowa. She was born prematurely and so tiny they incubated her in a cigar box in the oven.
Betty was united in marriage to Alvern Klinker on August 12, 1951, in Sioux City, Iowa. The couple farmed southeast of Charter Oak, Iowa, and were blessed with the birth of two daughters. Betty was a busy homemaker and hardworking farm wife. She worked at World Wide Meats from 1970-72. She and Alvern moved to Charter Oak in 1980 and continued farming until they retired in 1982.
Betty was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Betty had a positive outlook on life raising her family in a Christian home with strong morals. She enjoyed cooking and her family’s favorites were her caramel corn, cowboy cookies, coconut cream pie, and eggnog. Betty was active in her girls’ school activities and served on the Parent Teacher League. She was a 4-H Leader of the Merry Maidens and a foreman on their detassling crew.
Betty loved politics and was very conservative. In her spare time she liked to do craft projects, watch TV, and listen to country music, particularly Alan Jackson. In their younger years, Betty and Alvern loved to square dance.
Betty was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak serving in Ladies Aid, LLL, and teaching Sunday School. She was active in her community acting as the Treasurer for Elderbridge. Betty tried to be a good influence and help out her siblings whenever she could. After Alvern’s death in 1995, Betty’s Aunt Adeline became a very close friend and confidante.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Alvern; and three brothers: Larry, Kevin, and Reginold Christianson. Survivors include two daughters, Vicki Hennings and Debbie DeLance both of Boone; five grandchildren: Chris Hennings; Amber Robertson and husband, Jake; Cody Hennings and girlfriend, Aubrey Haberer; Ashlee DeLance and boyfriend, Paul Solarczyk; Cale Hennings and Steph Ball; six great-grandchildren: Madelyn and Waylon Hall; Jaidyn Hennings; Taylor and Tegan Robertson; and Brody Haberer; three brothers: Richard Christianson and wife, Edna of Concordia, Kansas; Robert Christianson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Albert Christianson and wife, Donna of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and three sisters: Roberta Nerison and husband, Charles of Cedar Rapids; Paulette Nidey and husband, Dennis of North Collinsville, Oklahoma; Karen Brooker of Cedar Rapids; sister-in-law, Jo Christianson of Colorado Springs, Colorado; brother-in-law, Norman Klinker and wife, Janice of Charter Oak; and sister-in-law, Lois Ernst of Schleswig, Iowa; other relatives and friends.