Betty Anne Von Arx

Betty Anne Von Arx, 90, of Hokah passed away peacefully with family by her side on Sunday, September 3, 2017 at Bethany Riverside in La Crosse. She was born on December 23, 1926 in Caledonia, Minnesota to Walter and Ann (Koenig) Grohman.

Betty graduated from Loretto High School in Caledonia and then went on to business college in Winona. On May 1, 1946 she married Paul John Von Arx, after having won his heart and her place in the front seat of his vehicle, a story which she shared many times. Together they raised 12 children while farming on Union Ridge in rural Hokah. Their strong faith was the foundation that they used in raising their family.

Betty’s life on the farm meant planting a big garden that enabled her to do a lot of canning, which she loved. She was truly a Betty Crocker. She loved baking and made numerous family favorites, especially homemade bread and pies. Betty mastered the art of being able to stretch a meal and always had room at her table for whomever might stop by. She was a wonderful mother, and it was very important to her to make birthdays, holidays and family gatherings special. She loved to sing and played many games with her children and grandchildren. Her few moments of quiet time were spent crocheting.

In addition to raising her family and homemaking, Betty worked for many years in Patient Registration at St. Francis Medical Center. As a faithful member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, she was very involved in the Altar Society and worked at many roast beef dinners and luncheons. Betty was an active member of a homemakers group and enjoyed her bowling leagues. In later years, she took up golfing which she enjoyed immensely.

Betty is survived by her children, Kate Lamb of La Crescent; Dan (Pat) Von Arx of Hokah; Daughter-in-Law, Nancy Von Arx of Hokah; Bob (Georgia) Von Arx of Byron; Paula (Bob) Patten of Sterling, CO; Tony (Joan) Von Arx of Hokah; Chris (Don) Johnson of La Crescent; Ed (Linda) Von Arx of Hermiston, OR; Mark (Marsha) Von Arx of Hokah; Terry (Roxanne) Von Arx of Holmen, WI; Angie (Jeff) Kellogg of Sterling, CO; and Julie (Erick) Abnet of La Crescent. She is also survived by 34 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; siblings Bob (Rita) Grohman, Don (Judy) Grohman and Gretchen (Wayne) Buege. Additional survivors include Sisters-in-Law Marguerite Sheehan, Delores Benz, Rita Hayes, Rita Von Arx, Frannie Von Arx, and Teddy Von Arx, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Paul and son, Matt; her parents; and siblings Mary, Bill, and Jean; numerous brother and sister-in-laws, and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 8, 2017 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Hokah. The Reverend Pratap Reddy Salibindla    will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Convent Cemetery, rural Hokah. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday evening from 4 to 7 p.m., with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse, 200 West Ave. South. Visitation will also be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass Friday at the church. Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse is in charge of arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Peter’s Church or School.

The family would like to thank the staff at Bethany Riverside for all of their tender, loving care given to their mother, Betty.