Betty J. (Swenson) Burzlaff

Betty J. Burzlaff, 81, of rural Grand Mound, Iowa, died Monday, December 11, 2017, at Westwing Place in DeWitt, following a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Betty Jean Burzlaff was born August 30, 1936, to Robert and Myrna (Rix) Swenson in rural Grand Mound. After graduating from Calamus High School in 1954, she worked as a secretary and bookkeeper. Betty was united in marriage to Donald Harry Burzlaff on September 12, 1959, at United Methodist Church in DeWitt. Betty was a devoted mother and farm-wife, raising seven children in the rural Grand Mound area. Betty particularly enjoyed the years she spent employed with the Central Community School District in Welton and Grand Mound as custodian and teacher’s aide.

She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bliedorn. Betty was a very active member in her church and community. She belonged to the Clinton County Porkettes, Cattlewomen, 4-H and Youth Committee, and Historic Preservation Commission. She was also member of the DeWitt Central FFA Alumni and Central Community Historical Society, where she spent countless hours preserving community history. Betty passionately served the 4-H organization in many ways, including 22 years as a club leader.

Betty had many interests including baking, sewing, genealogy, gardening, and refinishing antique furniture. She especially enjoyed sharing her talents with her children and grandchildren. Spending time with her family and friends filled Betty with great joy.

Those left to cherish her memory include her devoted husband of 58 years, Don; children, Dennis of Maquoketa, DeeAnn (Richard) Cheney of Bellevue, Jay of Bryan, Texas, Jeff (Andrea) of Elgin, Illinois, Jen (Matt) Sanderson of Courtenay, B.C. Canada, Danette (Mike) Haag of Windsor, Colorado, and Dan (Kim) of Delmar; 17 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; siblings, Janet Selby of DeWitt, Dick (Arlene) Swenson of Albia, and Carol Ferrell of Moline, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother, Robert Jr.; an infant son, Donald Jr.; and two brothers-in-law, Don Ferrell and J.C. Selby.

Visitation will be from 2:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friday, December 15, 2017, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bliedorn, Iowa. A Service of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 16, 2017, in the church. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Grand Mound.

Memorials are suggested to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Central Community Historical Society, Iowa 4-H Foundation, Michael J. Foxx Foundation, and Westwing Activity Fund.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, Grand Mound, Iowa.