Betty J. Wangen, age 69, of Merrill, passed away June 8, 2014, at home surrounded by her family under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice.
Betty was born on June 26, 1944 to Robert and Delores (Pyke) Lewis in Wausau. She attended high school in Minocqua, and went on to further her education at Northcentral Technical College studying information processing systems, and eventually teaching a CDL class. Betty was married to Bruce English in 1975, until his death in 2003. She then married Ralph Wangen on Aug. 8, 2008 at St. Stephens United Church of Christ in Merrill. He survives.
Betty loved working on computers both for herself and for others. She enjoyed making cards at her creation station for her family and friends. She was very active and influential in the political world. This was very important to her and she took pride in each interaction she had with a political figure.
Betty loved to go camping with her husband, Ralph. They would enjoy traveling to Sturgeon Bay in Door County to go camping, watch the eagles and visit as many lighthouses as they could.
She was a life member of the Women’s Auxiliary Post #1638 in Merrill. Music was an enormous part of her life. Not only was she an accomplished musician, she was also a song writer and author. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She will be sadly missed.
She is survived by her husband, Ralph Wangen of Merrill; daughters, Lori (Tracy) Bruner of Virginia and Lisa Rose of Weston; grandchildren, Travis Bruner, Angel Rose, Andrew Rose, Selah Alft, Nina Alft and Vivian Alft; step-daughters, Brenda (Dan) Savic of Milwaukee and Dawn (John) Alft of Appleton; sisters, Judy (Pete) Helms of Merrill, Lois (John) Bittner of Appleton, Janice (Larry) Hintz of Rosholt and Terry (Gene) Edict of Weston; uncle, Teddy Pyke Jr. of Weston.
She was preceded in death by her son, Richard Chamberlain; her parents; brothers Jeff and Robert Jr.; sister, JoAnn Lewis; husband, Bruce English.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 11, from 4-7 p.m. and again on Thursday, June 12, at 10 a.m. Funeral services for Betty will follow visitation on Thursday, June 12, at 11 a.m. All services will be held at Waid Funeral Home. Rev. John Eldred will officiate. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.waidfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s name to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice, 520 N. 32nd Ave., Wausau, WI 54401.