Search by Name

Elizabeth Caldwell Obituary

Elizabeth (Betty) Jean Caldwell, 79, passed away Monday April 15, 2013, with her loving family at her side as she stepped into the arms of her Mother and Father.

She was born May 23, 1933 in Chicago, IL the daughter of Earl and Ethel VanHousen. She met the love of her life George "Bud" Caldwell and they were married in Gurnee, IL on June 8, 1957.

When Living in Chicago, Betty was the president of the Nellie Fox Fan Club. While living in Fond du Lac, Betty spent many years with Grey Ladies working as a volunteer for St. Agnes Hospital. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother, as well as a volunteer for Congressman Petri for many years and more recently delivered Mobile Meals with her husband. Betty rode shotgun and gave directions.

She was an avid cross-stitcher and her work brought praise from many who saw it. She sent many letters to the editor and submitted many first person articles to the Fond du Lac Reporter. Betty and Bud enjoyed traveling to other countries including, Mexico, England, Ireland and Norway where she met some of her relatives. She was very proud of her Norwegian heritage and would celebrate "Senti mai (the seventh of May) Norwegian Independence Day, however she drew the line at eating lutefisk!

She is survived by her husband; three children, Kyle, Christopher and Sarah (Duane) Westphal; nine grandchildren, Andrew (Kate) Christensen, Katelyn Westphal, Adam Caldwell, Erin Caldwell, Kelsey Westphal, Ian Caldwell, Emmet Caldwell, Evan Caldwell and Lucy Caldwell; two great grandsons, Landon Christensen and Ried Christensen. She is further survived by a daughter-in-law Terry Caldwell, sisters-in-Law, Elaine Anderson, Carol Bone, Rita Miskowski and Janet Caldwell; one uncle, Russell (Bertha) Bearby; one aunt, Melva Bearby; cousins, Berit (Jan) Pettersen, Karen (Richard) Martinez, Edward Bearby, Linda Bearby, Debbie (Gary) Precin, Mark (Lorrie) Bearby and Scott (Elizabeth) Bearby; and by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation: Family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday April 23, 2013 from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at the Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E. Division St., Fond du Lac.

Services: A Funeral Service for Betty will be held at 11:00 AM at Zacherl Funeral Home. Rev. Richard Hutchison, a family friend, will officiate.

Memorials in Betty's memory may be directed to the organization of your choice.

Zacherl Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. www.zacherlfuneralhome.com

Published by Fond du Lac Reporter from Apr. 17 to Apr. 21, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Caldwell

Not sure what to say?





6 Entries

Dear Bud, Kyle, Chris and Sarah,
I was saddened to hear of Betty's passing. I recall many good times in the Caldwell household during our high school days. Do I recall correctly that Betty would often have cookies out when we were there? Seems perhaps they didn't last long. Memories of times at St. Matthews too. She always seemed to have lots of energy and a willingness to help out in all kinds of ways. Bless her!
Bless you all in this time and know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Joel Krueger

May 1, 2013

Bud, Kyle, Christopher & Sarah...so sorry to hear of Betty's passing. She was one of the sweetest women I'd ever met.
Sincerely,
Silk

Silk Casper

April 20, 2013

My mother, a stunning beauty in her day and a light for all of us to follow. You have touched so many lives, my teacher, my guardian, my friend. LOve you forever and always. Your #1 daughter.

April 19, 2013

Thinking of you Bud. We know you will dearly miss Betty. Love from your Community Theatre Family.

April 18, 2013

Bud,
Sorry to read of Betty,s death. I've always treasured your friendships.
Dr. Jack Peters

April 17, 2013

Betty was a lovely lady she will be missed by all of her family and friends

Bill and Carolyn Brady

April 17, 2013

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in Elizabeth Caldwell's name

Memorial Events
for Elizabeth Caldwell

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Elizabeth's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Elizabeth Caldwell's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more