OBITUARY

Betty Ellen Brandenburg

Betty Ellen Brandenburg of Wessington Springs, SD passed away Friday, March 12, 2010

at Sanford Health Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 77 years. Betty Vavra was born March 18, 1932 in Jackson County, South Dakota to Joseph and Lena Vavra. The family moved to Jerauld County in 1938. Betty’s elementary school years were split between Hall and Longfellow country schools in Jerauld County. She graduated from Wessington Springs High School and went on to get her teaching degree from Wessington Springs Jr. College. Betty taught 1st through 8th grades at Nesmith and Viola Center country schools in the early 1950’s. Betty married Mervyn Brandenburg on June 26th 1955 in Wessington Springs. Three daughters were born to this union; Leanne, Carla, and Shelley. Mervyn and Betty owned and operated the Idle Hour Tavern until 1964. For many years, Betty and Mervyn operated the Standard Oil business and accomplished a small farm business on the side. Betty worked at and later leased the City Liquor Store of Wessington Springs; retiring in 1994. She also drove school bus part-time for Wessington Springs Public School district at various times.

Betty enjoyed the outdoors and spent many hours hunting and fishing with her family. Betty was known to love card games and dancing. She enjoyed socializing with many friends at dances and card parties through the years. Family was priority and she attended all the activities her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were involved in. She was a great support to all family members.

Betty is survived by her husband Mervyn of Wessington Springs, and three daughters,

Leanne (Duane) Kopfmann of Alpena, SD, Carla (Rick) Leveque of Rapid City, SD, and Shelley (Mark) Fuerst of Wessington Springs, SD. Four grandchildren, Kandy (Doug) Flowers of Wessington Springs, SD, Andrea Kopfmann of Minneapolis, MN, Ericka Leveque of Rapid City, SD, Traci Orth of Wessington Springs, SD. Four Great Grandchildren, Chandler, Trinity, Branden, and Colby Flowers all of Wessington Springs, SD. One brother, Edward (Marilyn) Vavra of Wessington Springs, SD, sisters-in-law, several cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and one nephew.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Tuesday March 16, 2010 at the United Methodist Church in Wessington Springs with pastor Jan Price officiating. Burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the Basham Funeral Home Monday from 5-8 and at the church one hour prior to the service. A prayer service will be held at 7:30 PM Monday at the funeral home.

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