Elizabeth "Betty" Kathan

Elizabeth “Betty” Kathan, 92, passed away on Friday, October 11, 2024, at Brookdale Assisted Living in La Crosse. She was born October 31, 1931, in La Crosse to Howard and Bessie (Boyle) Wetchen. She graduated from La Crosse Central High School and earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Winona State University.

Betty met the love of her life, John R. “Dick” Kathan at the Methodist church. They were married on March 21, 1951, and went on a 70 + year adventure together until Dick’s passing in 2021.

Betty was a faithful member of La Crescent United Methodist Church, growing up playing the piano, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, and participating in the women’s circles.

She taught 5th grade in La Crescent for 26 years until her retirement. She was honored to have received a teacher of the year award. In 1976 she was named the woman of the year in La Crescent. Betty and her husband Dick, along with their son Jeff operated Homestead Strawberry Farm in La Crescent for many years.

She was the definition of the matriarch of her family. The family always found time to get together and celebrate with Betty, leading these family functions with her fantastic laugh and the special way she made each person feel.

She enjoyed reading, traveling, and playing bridge and has a lifelong love of learning.

Survivors include her children, Jane (Larry) Mierau of Rushford, MN, Jeff (Jean) Kathan of La Crescent and Doug (Nancy) Kathan of Fort Collins, CO; seven grandchildren, Toni, Amy, Jared, Lindsey, Quentin, Libby and Zane; 11 great-grandchildren or “greats” as she called them; a sister, Dixie (Jim) Sokolik and a son-in-law, George Bushek. In addition to her husband Dick, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah Bushek and her parents.