Betty J. (Beilke) Lang

Betty J. Lang, 92, Wausau, passed away peacefully Thursday, September 15, 2022, at the Hospice House.

She was born February 6, 1930, daughter of the late Walter H. and Flora (Steckling) Beilke. In July 1950, she married Melvin R. Lang at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Wausau. He preceded her in death in 2012.

Betty met her husband-to-be while working in an ice cream shop on Grand Avenue. After employment at Franklin Savings and Loan, she was a homemaker and later baked for the former Wausau Catering for over 11 years. Betty held several board positions, ran church fish fries, and sang in the choir for many years at St. Mary’s Church. Walking, bicycling, bowling, gardening, and traveling to visit her children in foreign and domestic locations were among her favorite activities. In addition to growing much of what went on the family dining table, Betty harvested and sold thousands of quarts of raspberries over the years.

Betty had a lifelong love of music, including playing guitar, accordion, and trumpet, and entertained residents of Our House with her extensive piano repertoire.  She visited elderly friends and assisted them with transportation and practical advice. She also volunteered at North Central Technical Institute teaching basic math and English skills. Betty was a staunch supporter of Newman basketball, an enthusiastic Milwaukee Braves (Brewers), Green Bay Packers, and more recently, Milwaukee Bucks fan.

Survivors include four children, Daniel (Karla) Lang, Elgin, IL, Susan (Roger) Butler, Centreville, VA, Barbara Healy, Reston, VA, Robert Lang, Ashburn, VA, eight grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Christopher Healy, a daughter-in-law, Ruth Lang, and siblings, William and Raymond Beilke, and Jean Przlicke.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 3, 2022, at Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church, Wausau, with a lunch to follow. Rev. Msgr. Mark Pierce will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be on Monday, October 3, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Newman Catholic Schools, Wausau, or Church of the Resurrection, Wausau.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.