Elizabeth Ann "Betsy" Wendelberger

Elizabeth "Betsy" Ann Wendelberger entered eternal life on October 25, 2025, at the age of 33.
Born into this world June 28, 1992, a beautiful sunny day. Her parents John and Julie beamed at her arrival. Betsy grew up in Wauwatosa, where she attended Christ King Catholic Grade School, Divine Savior Holy Angels High School and Marquette University.
She is the oldest of five siblings, with three sisters, and a brother. Born within seven years of one another, lots of fun, chaos and close bonds ensued. She is lucky to have had a huge extended family that has been "in her business" and part of the best cheerleading squad of support, including all four amazing grandparents! She loved her family the most and gave herself freely, especially as a Godmother to Alice and recently an Auntie to her 1-year-old nephew Teddy. She adored and protected her rescue dog Gracie and found immense joy in being her "mama".
She was an incredible musician and could play just about any instrument she picked up; starting in 5th grade when she purchased her first drum kit. Her musical talents were enhanced in the band Fatside Down where she was the "cool chick" on the drums and vocals alongside her trio of talented male bandmates.
She was an active part of the Youth Liturgy Group, creating soulful praise and worship music for Sunday night "Mass with Class," in addition to joining a fun-loving crew who helped lead the Confirmation Retreats. Fun fact: she was also the first student to play the full drum kit for the All-School Liturgies at DSHA.
Betsy collected and continued to learn how to play multiple instruments without any formal lessons and even played drums for the Marquette University basketball games until she finally fessed up to not being able to read any music beyond a basic level.
Her other passion was Rugby. She played in High School and helped DSHA take the National Title three times, being one of the few freshmen to play on the A Side. She continued playing throughout High School and all four years at Marquette University. After playing she coached the Marquette Women's Rugby Team before returning to coach High School Girls Teams. She served as the President of the Wisconsin Girls Rugby Association. She went on to help form a Badgers Select Rugby Team and traveled all over the United States with girls dressed in Cow-Spotted uniforms.
She was often too smart for her own good, using her brain to earn a double major in IT and Marketing; in addition to stunning her parents and siblings through thousands of Jeopardy episodes and Trivia Nights. Following her graduation, she worked as a Senior Project Manager for FiServ.
Her truest legacy was being a champion for the underdog, the outcast, downtrodden and those on the fringes of society. Her heart was almost too big to bear the sadness of the world; however, she put it into action in numerous ways from mission trips in both High School and College, working regularly at the St. Vincent DePaul Meal Program and protesting for the dignity of humans regardless of race, gender or creed.
We are blessed and not surprised to honor her final wishes to be an organ and tissue donor so that she may help save others.
Betsy is survived by her loving parents John and Julie Wendelberger, her sisters Emily (Edward (EJ)) McGuire, Margaret(fiancé John Paul (JP) Casey) Wendelberger, Sophia (Jack) Von Rueden; her brother Joshua (girlfriend Laura Hanson) Wendelberger; nephew Edward Theodore (Teddy) McGuire, grandparents Charles and Carol Rebek and John and MaryJane Wendelberger, God parents Beth Mergel and David Rapozo along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Visitation will be held Friday November 7, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Christ King Catholic Church Wauwatosa. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday November 8, 2025, at 10:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers, a Besty Wendelberger Memorial Fund has been created to continue her legacy of service. Donations may be made out to John or Julie Wendelberger in care of Betsy or through Venmo https://www.venmo.com/u/BetsyWendelbergerMemorialFund-. All funds will be distributed to her most cherished organizations.
The family wishes to thank the incredible outpouring of love and prayers from everyone. Thank you for bringing light into this world.
In her honor, look for joy and try to live her mantra: "What if it all works out?"