Bette Kriel

Bette L. Kriel

Age 93, entered her eternal rest in heaven on February 1, 2021. She was born to Ella and Carl Johnson in Duluth, MN on December 16, 1927. Preceded in death by her parents, brother Howard and sister Mildred, and her loving husband, Will. Survived by her three daughters, Jane Horn, Barbara (JJ) Wang and Charlene (Bruce) Olson.

She was dearly loved and adored by her fourteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren: Benjamin and Joshua Horn, Rebekah (Kevin) Boyd, and Rachel (Andy) Aplikowski; Jeremy (Ange) , Christopher (Sara) and Megan Wang; Abraham (Trish) and Jakob (Katie) Olson, Abby (Ben) LaBadie; Micah (Rachel) and Luke (Kristen) Olson, Martha (Gus) Leveque-Eichhorn, and Ruthie Olson. Great-grandchildren Samuel, Hannah and Eloise Boyd; Lucy, Edie and Rosie Wang; Julia, Eleanor, and Martha Olson (with a brother on the way); Nora, Matthew and Grace Olson; Bruce LaBadie (with a sister on the way); Elijah, Timothy and Lydia Olson.

Bette had a warm smile and gentle personality and easily became a special friend to many. She outwardly expressed the love she received as a believer in Christ’s work of redemption through her kindness, joy, sincerity, caring and love. She and Will were founding members of St. Michaels Lutheran Church in Bloomington, where she volunteered in many capacities. Always a cook, she was employed in food service throughout her life in Bloomington schools, at Friendship Village and at Lunds and Byerlys, finally retiring at age 87. She served us many delicious Sunday family dinners at home as well.

We wish to thank all who were a part of her life for so many years at St. Michaels and the many friends at Scandia Shores where she lived the last four and one-half years. Our gratitude is also extended to Health Partners hospice care team, expertly caring for Mom and our family during her brief illness in her final month of her life.

Although she is gone from our sight, she lives on through the hearts of her family and friends. To know her was a joy and delight.

Her favorite Bible passage was from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing; Give thanks in all circumstances; For this is the will of God In Christ Jesus for you.”

Private service Saturday, February 13, 2021, 2:00 P.M.  The service will be livestreamed at the link below.

Livestream: