Elizabeth "Betsy" M. (Lauerman) Klatt

Elizabeth M. “Betsy” Klatt, 85, of Rock Island, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2019 at UnityPoint Health, Trinity-Rock Island.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Friday at St. Pius Catholic Church, Rock Island.  Recitation of the Rosary will be at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at Wheelan Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7^th Ave., Rock Island, where visitation will follow from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.  Entombment will be in Calvary Mausoleum, Rock Island.  Memorials may be made to the Activity Fund at Friendship Manor.

Betsy was born on September 4, 1933 in Menominee, Michigan, a daughter of Henry and Ruth (Lamb) Lauerman.  She earned her teaching degree from Webster University in St. Louis and also earned an advanced degree from Marquette University.  Betsy married Richard T. Klatt on August 9, 1958 in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Menominee.  She spent her career caring for her children and serving as an elementary teacher for Rock Island Schools.  As a loving mother, Betsy spent many summers looking over the family as they built their second home, “The Point,” in Michigan.  It continues to serve as a reunion spot today.  She was a passionate volunteer for the WVIK Reading for the Blind Program, working closely with Don Wooten, and a sponsor of the Red Shoes Preschool Program.  Betsy served as a member of St. Pius Catholic Church, Rock Island.  She enjoyed weaving, following the Monarch butterfly, and playing Bridge.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Richard; children, Kathryn Vetter, Moline; John Klatt, Milwaukee, WI; Dr. Mary Fischer (Frank Flores), Corpus Christi, TX and Dr. Paul Klatt, Big Rapids, MI; grandchildren, Kate Kennedy, Erin Kennedy and Hattie Fischer, all of Texas; sister, Dorothy Carden, Pensacola, FL; brother, Henry “Hank” (Jackie) Lauerman, Jr., Marinette, WI and many extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

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