Betty Soe Obituary
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Wisconsin Rapids, WI - Betty L. Soe, age 95 of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, passed away October 18 th 2025 at her home in Wisconsin Rapids, WI.
Betty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved and cherished her family and many close life-long friends.
Betty was born July 25, 1930, in Wisconsin Rapids to parents Louis and Lillian (Machon) Gross, and lived in Wisconsin Rapids, along with her family, including brothers Robert (Kathleen) Gross and James Gross. After graduating from Lincoln High School, Betty attended Carroll College and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she majored in Music Education, was active in choir and served as a member of Gamma Phi Beta. During this time, Betty formed many life-long relationships with dear friends, who remained close throughout their lifetimes. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids, WI.
Betty married Donald J. Soe on July 12, 1952 at the First Congregational Church in Wisconsin Rapids. After Don was discharged from serving his country honorably, Betty and Don returned to Wisconsin Rapids to begin raising their family, which was Betty's greatest joy.
Betty is survived by children Gail Soe of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Eric (Kim) Soe of Cave Creek, AZ, Kirk (Teresa) Soe of Phoenix, AZ and son-in-law Dean (Diane) Schmelzer; seven grandchildren Erica (Erik) Zipp, Lindsey (Benjamin) Haischer, Erin (Kyle) Geason; Jason (George) Christensen and Grant (Danielle) Soe, Trevor and Vanessa Bush; seven great grandchildren Mallory, Gunnar and Bode Zipp, Ella and Elizabeth Haischer and Graham and Brooklyn Geason. Betty is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members and friends.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Lillian (Machon) Gross, brothers Robert Gross and James Gross, loving and caring husband Donald Soe, and cherished daughter Diane (Soe) Schmelzer.
A private Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
Ritchay Funeral Home is assisting the family.
To send flowers to the family of Betty Lou, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Jim and Lorraine Ostrum
October 21, 2025
Betty was such a sweet lady and the best mother-in-law to our daughter, Teresa. Our most recent memory is when she invited us over while Kirk and Teresa were visiting. Knowing how much Betty enjoyed music, Jim brought his guitar and sang while Betty swayed to the music. It was a beautiful memory we shared together.
She will be missed.
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John and Diane Sweat
October 21, 2025
Kirk and Teresa, we send our condolences at the passing of your mother and mother-in-law.
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1950 12th St South, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495-0847
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