Betty Catherine Pletzke

May 28, 1925 - March 19, 2011

Obituary For Betty Catherine Pletzke

Betty Catherine (Kerr) Pletzke May 28, 1925 â?? March 19, 2011

Betty Catherine Pletzke passed from this world into the loving arms of her Savior on Saturday, March 19, at Falls River Court in Raleigh, NC due to complications of Alzheimerâ??s. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wallace C. Pletzke on May 4, 1996. Betty was born in Berkley, MI on May 28, 1925 to Wilbert and Freda Kerr.

After earning her RN at Mercy College in Detroit, Betty worked at hospitals in the metro area until meeting and marrying a handsome Michigan State Trooper named Wally and subsequently giving birth to six children (2 boys, and 4 girls in that order). It wasnâ??t long until State Trooper Pletzke moved his family to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to serve at the Marquette post.

Although fearful of the localsâ?? warnings about fierce winters in Upper Michigan, Betty and her family soon grew to love their new home in Marquette on West Avenue. Lifelong friendships were formed and Betty couldnâ??t imagine herself living anywhere more beautiful. She often enjoyed spending time at Marquetteâ??s Presque Isle park watching Lake Superior waves crash onto the shore. Betty continued her nursing career at Marquette General Hospital until her retirement in 1988.

Betty was a fun-loving person, always ready for a game and a little friendly competition. She had a knack for looking at something and seeing its potential, and her creativity helped her transform garage-sale finds into treasures. Also, Betty was a very giving person who believed that her life was truly blessed by God and she wanted to pass along that blessing to everyone she met.

Betty is survived by her six children Carl (Barb) Pletzke of Herndon, VA; Craig (Mary) Pletzke of Tempe, AZ; Catherine Pletzke of Raleigh, NC; Cindy (Steve) Lund of Asheville, NC; Connie (Steve) Dieleman of Grand Rapids, MI; Carol (Tim) Lindquist of Cedar Falls, IA; and Lyn Soesbee her "adopted" daughter and loving caregiver. She is survived also by her grandchildren Rachel Johnson, Greg Pletzke, Jaime Pletzke, C.J. Pletzke, Josh Pletzke, Matthew Lund, Ilsa Lund, Caleb Lund, Angela Dieleman, Daniel Dieleman, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and loving friends.

A celebration of Betty's life will be held at Bethel Baptist Church in Marquette, MI this summer (date to be announced). Donations in Bettyâ??s memory may be sent to Bethel Baptist Church, 829 Grove Street in Marquette, MI 49855; or to Alzheimer's NC, 1305 Navaho Drive, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27609.

A special thank you to all the staff at Falls River Court and to Hospice of Wake County for your tender care provided to Betty.

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September 01, 2020

Shelly Jeffers

Aunt Betty was one of a kind. She was greatly loved by all of her family and touched the lives of many through her warmth, sincerity, honesty and especially through her sense of humor! She once told me that she was blessed to have such a wonderful family...but I think we were the ones who were blessed to have her! 🙂 Love you, Aunt Betty...you will never be forgotten!
September 01, 2020

Pete and Sharon Schumer

Dear Carl, Craig, Catherine, Cindy, Connie, Carol, Lyn, precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren, We are thanking Jesus for receiving our sister in Christ, Betty, home to Heaven, and also praying for Holy Spirit to comfort you and keep alive wonderful memories of her until we are all together again with her in eternity. We knew Betty and Wally in Marquette and she shared May 28th with our son David's birthdate. What a beautiful tribute and photo we just saw on our computer here in Orange Beach AL (our six month home). Her face reflects the joy and love of Jesus in her, which she gave to all! We hope that we can be at Bethel for her service this summer. Heaven is closer, and we thank the Lord she is HOME! Love in Jesus, Sharon and Pete Schumer Orange Beach, AL
September 01, 2020

Herlene & Shaun

Catherine you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Ms. Betty was well loved and will be missed by all. ~Hugs Herlene & Shaun
September 01, 2020

Falls River Court Memory Care

We will surely miss Betty at our community. The staff loved her and cherished her beautiful smile. We have placed a donation in Betty's name to the ALZ Association of NC and send many thanks to Betty's family for allowing us to care for their mother, she is greatly missed.
September 01, 2020

Joanne & Allen Shangle

Carol and Tim - we were so sorry to hear about your mother passing away, Carol. I lost both of my parents to Alzheimers, and know how hard it is to lose a piece of that person every day. You both have our deepest sympathy. Remember to take real good care of yourselves through this difficult time. Love you guys. Joanne & Allen
September 01, 2020

Marcia Berryman Dionne

Betty you always made your home open ...Thank you for sharing your daughter! She like you is a very special person!
September 01, 2020

Mike and Kris Zorza

We are sure sorry to hear about the recent passing of your mom. She was a great "Class Act" lady who never seemed to mind it when the entire gang came over. The more I think about it, she may have been darn near saintly, considering our many unique adventures while in Marquette. Yup, no doubt she was a saint, and you all were very lucky to have such a wonderful mother.
September 01, 2020

Shannon Vertz

I remember when I was about eight years old and I had the chicken pox and the whole family was at Grandma(Eloise) and Grandpa(Jack)Pletzke's house for a reunion, and Aunt Betty stayed by my side the whole night until my fever broke she kept covering me with cool wash rags. Aunt Betty was the best at getting you to feel better! I will miss her alot. I Love you Aunt Betty! My prayers are with all my family in this time of sorrow!