Betty Jean Bliese

Betty Jean Bliese, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother truly went home on December 7, 2024.
Betty was born on October 16, 1932 on the family farm in rural Osceola to parents Alma T. (Larson) and Ernest M. Foss. She was the second of six children and a member of West Immanuel Lutheran Church from birth until death. As a child Betty discovered her passion for music, and it remained a central force for the rest of her life. After attending Meadow View country school and graduating from Osceola High School, Betty went on to attend Polk County Normal School, pursing a teaching career. She met and married Cal Kjeseth and became a homemaker and mother to their three children on their farm near Wanderoos. Betty was an active member of West Immanuel Church Lutheran Church serving in many capacities. For years Betty was a soloist for many weddings, funerals and events.
Betty married Dale Bliese in 1976 and together they enjoyed a life that took them on many travels. In retirement they designed and built a lovely log home on the Apple River. It was there they found true contentment. Betty enjoyed flower gardening, the companionship of many dogs, cats and ducks and of course making lefsa. During this time her love of music resurfaced in her life. Betty, Jim Haugerud and Chuck Bethke formed a band, Little Falls Music Makers. They performed at many functions and events in the area for years. Betty truly loved this time of her life. She played "by ear" and last played in public on the 4th of July in Little Falls this year. Her hands still flew across the keyboard, effortless at the age of 92.
Betty will be missed by her children, Mary Kjeseth, Michael (Lindy) Kjeseth, Lee Kjeseth; grandchildren, Jason (Sara) Kjeseth, Kolton Kjeseth-Zinn, Kellie Kjeseth, Robert Kjeseth and great-grandson, Clint Kjeseth. She is also survived by sisters-in-laws, Rhea Deboer, Bev and Sue Foss, Bev Kjeseth; and many dear nieces, nephews and friends. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Alma; husband, Dale; son-in-law, Robert Zinn; daughter-in-law, Linda Kjeseth; sisters, June (Don) Waalen and Mary (Charles) McElfresh; and brothers, Earl (Marlene), Roy and John.
A service will be held on December 18, 2024 at West Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Osceola at 2:00 pm. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will immediately follow at the church cemetery. Following the services, to honor Betty, a gathering with food and music will be held from 4 to 7 pm in the French Room at the Dalles House in St Croix Falls, WI.