Obituary of Bette Louise Schweer

West Liberty, Iowa

Bette L. Schweer, 99, of Davison, Michigan and formerly of West Liberty passed away Thursday, October 10, 2024 at The Landings of Genesee Valley Senior Living in Flint, Michigan.

Bette Louise Zerneke was born on March 30, 1925 in Burlington, Iowa. Her parents were Carl Ross (Louise M. (Hess) Zerneke. She graduated from Burlington High School in June of 1942 and attended Burlington Junior College. She worked as a bookkeeper for the former J.S. Schram Company and helped the WWII effort by being employed at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown Iowa.

She moved to West Liberty Iowa in 1960 and did profile work for the Muscatine Journal and worked for the Wuestenberg Insurance Agency in the auto department. In 1963 she was employed at the former Louis Rich Foods as a secretary - where she met Victor who was marketing manager for the plant. She was employed at the plant for 9 years.

On July 12, 1969 she and Victor were united in marriage by the pastor Edward P. Nelson of Peace Lutheran Church of Rock Island Illinois.

On June 29, 1973 Bette and Victor purchased the local jewelry store in West Liberty and

Schweer's Jewelry and Gifts was born. They owned and operated this business for 25 years - many people in West Liberty and surrounding communities will always remember this successful endeavor.

Bette, loved playing the piano and organ beginning lessons at the age of 9. She was an active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and was organist for over 20 years. She played for services, choirs, special programs, weddings and funerals. To her, playing was a special joy.

She served on the Chamber of Commerce Board as a member and a past officer of West Liberty Woman's Club - member of the American Legion Auxiliary #509 for over 40 years. She also volunteered through RSVP until her eye problems limited her activities. She enjoyed reading and needlework but her favorite time was at 5 O'Clock with Victor as they always enjoyed Happy Hour - their together time!

Bette and Vic sold their Jewelry Store in 1998 thinking it was time to retire. She was then asked by many if she ever considered teaching piano. This idea mushroomed and she gave lessons to many area children for several years. The "children" became her "little friends".

In September 2013 Bette moved to Heath Manor Independent Living Facility - Selling her

residence that She and Victor shared and loved and held for 53 years, Heath Manor was special to her, as she was surrounded by friends. She continued her piano playing for sing-alongs and church services. She moved to Michigan to live with her Son Jeff and Daughter in-law Deanna in 2021.

Bette loved being a "Mom" and being called "Grandma" was also a special joy. She is survived by son Jeffrey (Deanna) Tracy of Davison, Michigan, son David (Bonnie) Tracy of Minnesota.

Step-daughters Sandra (Steve) Townsend of Moline, Illinois, and Susan Lott of Addison, Illinois. Also 11 grand-children, 18 great-grand-children, and 4 great-great-grand-children. Also surviving is a nephew Kent (Jan) Knopp from Monticello Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her husband Victor, her parents, grandparents, and her sister: Jeanne (Jack) Knopp.

Visitation will be held 5 to 8 P.M. Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Liberty. Funeral service will be held 11 A.M. Thursday, October 17, 2024 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, West Liberty. Burial will be in the Oak Ridge Cemetery, West Liberty.

ONE LAST THOUGHT - BETTE SENDS EVERYONE “A SPECIAL HUG”