Betty Zeratsky

Betty Gibbons Zeratsky, age 93, of Green Lake, died at her home on December 30, 2005 after several years of declining health. Born in Milwaukee on January 5, 1912, she was the daughter of Florence (Molbach) and Alfred George Gibbons. Betty attended high school at the Milwaukee University School and went on to college at the University of Wisconsin in Madison where she met her husband John August Zeratsky of LaCrosse. Their 51 year marriage began April 8, 1932, in Washington DC where John was working as an administrative assistance to a member of congress. Betty and John lived in Washington DC, Madison, and Waupun, before becoming full time residents of Green Lake in 1950.

Betty was a founding member of the Green Lake Association, spent many years on Green Lake’s Library Board, and was a member and former officer of the Green Lake Yacht Club. She was made an honorary life member of the Yacht Club in 1984. Betty’s lifelong interest in needlework resulted in her opening Green Lake’s Yarn Shop which she owned and operated from 1971 to 2003. During most of her life Betty gave generous support, often anonymously, to numerous individuals and organizations which she found worthy.

An active sportswoman, Betty enjoyed sailboat racing in summer and skiing and ice skating in winter. At age 79 she temporarily took up sky diving for a one time tandem jump. Betty loved to travel, and, often accompanied by her daughter Jill Carver, she visited all seven continents, including Antarctica.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John, and her daughter Jill. She is survived by two sons: John Gibbons “Gib” Zeratsky (Katy), and Andrew August Zeratsky (Debbie); six grandchildren: Jill’s daughters Debi Carver-Smith (Ed), and Jib Carver Christensen; Gib and Katy’s children J. Bur Zeratsky (Kelly), Drew Zeratsky (Kathy), Gretchen Zeratsky Feeney (John); and Andy and Debbie’s daughter Elizabeth Zeratsky; and five great grandchildren: Bur and Kelly’s children John, Jennifer, and August; and Drew and Kathy’s daughters Emma and Jane.

The family is especially grateful to the wonderful women who cared for Betty in the last years of her life: Linda “Cookie” Felder, Kris Weber, and Mary Mathia. Their love and devotion will be remembered always.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 6, 2006 at the Federated Church of Green Lake conducted by Rev. Karen Gygax-Rodriguez. Friends may call at the church between 10-11 am, with the service following at 11am. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Caestecker Public Library Foundation, 518 Hill Street, Green Lake, WI 54941, or Green Lake County Special Olympics, c/o Dallas Lewallen, Fox River Industries, 222 Leffert Street, Berlin, WI 54923.

Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, Ripon, is assisting the family.
www.butzinmarchant.com