Elizabeth “Betty” Schimmel

Elizabeth “Betty” Schimmel, 85 years, 5 months and 6 days, Grey Eagle passed away peacefully on Friday, February 3, 2017 after a rich life with family and friends.
Elizabeth “Betty” Theresa VanHavermeat was born August 28, 1931 in North Germany Township, Minnesota, the daughter of Henry and Lizzie (Huhne) VanHavermeat. She was the youngest of 11 children. She grew up and attended school in Stearns County. At age 19, on November 22, 1949, she and Ervin Ceminski were united in marriage. During thirteen years of marriage they were blessed with four children. Betty then married Fred Schimmel on June 15, 1970 and they enjoyed 13 happy years together before Fred’s death in 1983.
Betty’s working career included farming, a cook, waitress, childcare and then joining and retiring from Jennie-O-Foods after many years. She enjoyed the view of Little Birch Lake from her home where she met many great, helpful and caring neighbors. Spending time with her children, grand, great, and great-great grandchildren always brightened her day and was a highlight of her life. She especially enjoyed time fishing and dancing with husband, Fred. Some of her free time was spent enjoying snowmobiling, riding the four-wheeler and later watching the many small birds, hawks and bald eagle pair in the neighborhood. Betty had a good sense of humor and enjoyed making people laugh.
She is survived by her children, Denny Ceminski, Park Rapids; Rita (Dennis) Reimer, Fargo; David Ceminski, Grey Eagle; and Dan (Marsha) Ceminski, Breckenridge; seven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren as well as one great-great grandchild. She is also survived by one sister, Maryann (Ben) Kiffmeyer of Wells, MN.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, five brothers; Henry, Norbert, Raymond, John and Louis VanHavermeat; four sisters; Annie Bruggenthies; Loretta VanHavermeat; Margaret Rasmussen; Frances “Red” Terwey.
Her wishes will be honored to have her ashes placed in Lakeview Cemetery next to her late husband, Fred Schimmel, who preceded her 33 years earlier. Her children will be announcing a spring ‘Celebration of Betty’s Life’ and interment in early May 2017.
Funeral arrangements were handled by Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services in Melrose, Minnesota.