Betty J. Rehmke

Betty J. Rehmke

Betty J. Rehmke

Clarence

Betty J. Rehmke, 89, Clarence, Iowa and longtime resident of Oxford Junction, Iowa, died peacefully on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Our beautiful mother was the embodiment of love and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Betty was born on February 9, 1936 in rural Clarence, Iowa to Charles and Meta VonMuenster and was raised, along with her siblings, on the family farm. She married Herold B. Rehmke on January 22, 1956 and they farmed and raised their five children from their hilltop home near Oxford Junction. They lived there for more than 60 years when they moved to the Clarence Assisted Living Center where they were lovingly cared for by their dedicated and excellent staff.

Betty was a homemaker for much of her married life. Betty was a wonderful cook and baker. Her family tries, with mixed success, to replicate her favorite dishes, especially her delicious potato salad. No one would ever leave her presence hungry if she had anything to say about it. ‘Did you get enough to eat?’ was a standard question at every meal. Betty was a very talented seamstress. Her family will always treasure the clothing and other keepsake items she made for them for years. Betty was a world-class mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She always had a special heart for children and a knack for observing and encouraging the best she saw in all of us. We will always remember her saying, “Just do the best you can. That’s all they can ask,” and take comfort in the fact that her quiet support and comfort still envelops us all.

Betty proudly worked as a secretary both before and after she was married. She worked for Cedar County Extension Services, the Dayton Creamery, the Maquoketa Care Center, Dr. Utley’s office and the Oxford Junction School Board. Her last job before retirement was with Midland High School in Wyoming, Iowa, where she took special delight in working with and assisting the students, whom she also loved.

Betty was a longtime member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lost Nation, Iowa, and more than 50-year member of the Order of Eastern Star and American Legion Auxiliary Unit #473. She took great pride in the military service of her family, including her husband, Herold Rehmke, her children, Kandice Wilcox and Eric Rehmke and her grandson, Samuel Andre.

While Betty had many talents and gifts, her passion was her family. She is survived by her children, Paul (Barb) Rehmke, Albert Lea, Minn., Laura DeCoster, Grinnell, Iowa, Kandice (Chris) Wilcox, Manassas, Va., Heidi (Dick) Andre, Beloit, Wis., and Eric (Kari) Rehmke, Kuna, Idaho. Her treasured grandchildren are Jaclyn Rehmke, Elyce (Tyler) Yelk, Bethany (Peter Coonrod) DeCoster, Malory (Wade) Hamre, Stacy DeCoster, Courtney (Farhad) Sourmehi, Clayton (Elizabeth) N’Diaye Wilcox, Carter Wilcox, Samuel (Kendra) Andre, Ethan (Jasmine) Andre, Valerie Rehmke, Julia Rehmke, Sydney Rehmke, Hardison and Dylan Rehmke. Her great-grandchildren are Leighton and Penelope Yelk, Brooks and Linden Coonrod, Jaiden, Bowen, Ada and Morgan Hamre, Evelyn DeCoster, Oliver Andre and Leo and Miles Andre.

Betty is also survived by her beloved sister, Donna Rehmke and many nieces and nephews. Those joyfully reuniting with Betty in heaven include her husband, Herold Rehmke (who died in September 2024), Betty’s remaining siblings and in-laws and her many, many close friends.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Clarence Assisted Living Center who lovingly cared for Betty these last several years. Also Dawson Funeral Services for the care they have given Betty and her family.

Her funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lost Nation. Visitation will take place prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

She will be laid to rest in Mayflower Cemetery in Oxford Junction. Following the committal service, the family warmly invites everyone to join them at the Calkins Barn in Wyoming, Iowa, for a luncheon and time of fellowship.

Dawson Funeral Services of Oxford Junction is honored to assist the family during this time. Cards and memorials may be sent to Dawson Funeral Services, P.O. Box 258, Wyoming, Iowa 52362, Attn: Betty Rehmke Family.

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