Betty J (Hafner) Koby

Betty J. (Hafner). Koby, 86, of La Crosse passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center.

Betty was born on March 7, 1927, in Caledonia, Minnesota, to John B. and Anna (Konzem) Hafner. She graduated in 1944 from Aquinas High School and earned a music scholarship to La Crosse Teachers College but instead attendedMaywood Jr. College in Illinois and the University in Washington DC. While in Washington, she met her future husband Robert (Bob) Koby. In 1945 they married, had five children, and later divorced.

Betty held several different jobs in her lifetime. While going to high school, she worked at the old Wisconsin Theater in La Crosse as well as the Hollywood. For a short time, she lived in Chicago with her favorite Uncle Hugo (Hack) and Aunt Mary and worked for G. R. Leonard Publishing Company. From 1944 to 1946 Betty was employed by the FBI in Washington D.C. and worked with finger printing and records. In La Crosse, she was employed by the La Crosse Court House but retired in 1989 after working for nearly 30 years at RH Lovolds. To keep busy in her retirement years, Betty loved her part-time position as bailiff for Judge Dale Pasell with her very good friend and colleague Dave Solie.

Friends were a very important part of Bettys life. She especially enjoyed traveling and good times with her companion Don Roesler and her numerous close friends. When she wasnt busy with her five children, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Betty was a volunteer at her church, Holy Trinity, where she was a member of the St. Annes Altar Society, a Eucharistic Minister, and a Childrens Liturgy teacher. Betty enjoyed volunteering her time and acting skills at the La Crosse Community Theater. She served on the Board of Directors for Lovolds. Betty was a volunteer for Causeway and the County Meal Program.

Survivors include her children, Jim (Cynthia) Koby, Jackie (Chuck) Meir, Jeff (Debbie) Koby, Jenny (Kevin) Gobel, and Julie (Steve) Mace; her grandchildren, Erica, Chanda, Matt (Becky), Jessica (James), Josh (Hiromi), Michael (Ashley), Molly, Quinton, Rossi and Sarah; her great-grandchildren, Sean, Dylan, Kentaro, Kojiro, Jacob and Lauren; and many loved nieces and nephews. Betty was the best mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend that anyone could ask for. She was an energetic, always on the go woman who will be sadly missed by her family and many good friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her younger brother Robert (Bob) Hafner and her sister Jackie Hoch.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, April 13th at Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Rev. Rick Roberts officiating. Friends and family may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse on Friday from 5-7 PM where a prayer service will be held at 6:30 PM; and again at the church on Saturday from 9:30 AM until the time of services.

Betty wanted the following poem included in her obituary.

I would rather have a little rose

From the garden of a friend

Than have the choicest flowers

When my stay on earth shall end.

I would rather have the kindest words

And a smile that I can see.

Than flattery when my heart is still

And this life ceased to be.

I would rather have a loving smile

From the friends I know are true.

Than tears shed around my casket

When the world I bid adieu.

Author Unknown

Betty added an epilogue . . .

I would rather remember all the enjoyment

My friends and family have given me

Than all the worldly treasures or life happenings

That could be . . . and finally . . .

I would rather enjoy life, party, eat out and have fun

Than a get-together at my funeral with some old barbecue on a bun.