Betty Stielow

Betty Stielow, age 90, of Graceville, MN, passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2023, at Essentia Health – Grace Home.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Beardsley Methodist Church in Beardsley, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Clinton City Cemetery in Clinton, MN.

Betty Jean (Athey) Stielow was born on September 18, 1933, in Big Stone County, MN, to Chalmer and Eleanor (Carlson) Athey. She grew up throughout the Big Stone County area and attended country school.

On September 18, 1954, on her 21^st birthday, Betty was united in marriage with John “Jack” Stielow at the Beardsley Methodist Church parsonage. Together, they were blessed with five children.

Betty worked in her household, raising her children, and helping with farm work until all of her children were able to be in school. She later went to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Clinton Good Samaritan facility until she retired.

Strong willed and always busy, Betty loved to crochet and cross stitch on towels and also did a couple of quilts. She was known for her baking, especially her secret recipe chocolate cake and frosting. Betty enjoyed canning, tending to her flower beds, and had a wonderful doll collection. She absolutely loved playing Bingo and never turned down an opportunity for a good card game as she always had a deck of cards with her at the ready. Most of all, Betty adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always remembering to send them a birthday card with a two-dollar bill in it.

Left to cherish Betty’s memory are her children: Shirley Stielow of Sturgis, SD; Pat (Robert) Ewert of Graceville, MN; Julie (Gene) Kleindl of Alexandria, MN; and John (Karen) Stielow of Sauk Rapids, MN; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; brother, Wayne Athey of Graceville, MN; sister, Susie Nelson of Beardsley, MN; along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her husband, John “Jack” Stielow; daughter, Karen Stielow; parents, Chalmer and Eleanor Athey; and her brothers and sisters.