Elizabeth J. "Betty" Schuerer

Elizabeth J. "Betty" Schuerer, age 90, died peacefully in Appleton on January 18, 2025. Betty was born in Marshfield to the late Edward and Laurella (Heintz) Redig on July 25, 1934. Growing up in Marshfield, Betty later moved with her family to West Bend and graduated from West Bend High School. With a passion for helping people, she attended The Mercy School of Nursing in Oshkosh, WI. She graduated in 1955 with her RN in nursing. Betty met her husband Tom, on a blind date. As they say, the rest is history. They married on August 18, 1956, at Holy Angels Catholic Church in West Bend. Together, the couple raised their six children. They enjoyed taking many camping excursions and traveling around the United States with their kids. Throughout her career as a nurse, Betty made a difference in many people's lives with the care that was second nature to her. It truly was her passion in life. Her career began at St. Elizabeth Hospital in the nursery. As well, she worked in Intensive Care, Emergency Room and lastly Hyperbarics. She spent 45 years of her life, always helping people. Outside of work, Betty enjoyed many travels with her husband, especially her favorite trip to Europe, listening to her daughter Debra sing at Lyric Opera, gardening, shopping and bird watching. Betty loved to grow flowers in her garden, especially zinnias, cosmos and sweet peas. She also cared for many dogs, cats, fish, gerbils and even an amphibian or two. However, what she held in the highest regard was her family. Betty cherished family gatherings, and any time spent together.
Betty was a strong woman in all aspects of her life. When she was faced with a challenge, she took it on with a fierce passion.
Betty is survived by her children: Donald (Sally) Schuerer, Karen (Vann) Willett, Mike (Tammy) Schuerer, Patrick (John Keathley) Schuerer, and Jennifer (John) Cayo; her grandchildren: Matthew, Thomas (Abby), Nichole, Ryan (Amber), Mason, Mitchel, and Cole; and her great grandchildren: Nevaeh, Eli, and Levi. Betty is further survived by her brother, Robert Redig, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She is also survived by her beloved cat "Koko",that was rescued 18 years ago.
In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband Tom, of 51 years; her daughter, Debra Schuerer-DeNoon; her brothers: Bernard (Dorothy), Larry (Betty), Chuck (Phyllis), Paul (Helen), and Donald Redig; her parents-in-law, Oscar and Viola (Wagner); and her siblings-in-law: Hans Schuerer (Rosalind), Robert Schuerer, Millie Verbrick (Tom), and Dolly Schuerer.
Visitation for Betty will be held February 7, 2025, at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC PARISH (1617 W. Pine Street, Appleton) beginning at 9:00 a.m. and concluding at 10:45 a.m. Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Paul Demuth officiating. A private interment at St. Margaret-Mary Cemetery will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of Betty's favorite charities: St.Bernard Catholic Church, 1617 W Pine St, Appleton, WI; American Veteran, to be used in Wisconsin, 1253 Scheuring Rd, Suite A, De Pere, WI; and Arthritis Foundation, 1355 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 600, Atlanta, GA for use in Wisconsin.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the wonderful care that Betty received at Brewster Village, Appleton as well as Compassus Hospice. They treated her with great respect, dignity, kindness and compassion. She was treated like a member of the family. Our family is very grateful.