Betty Norgaard

Betty Ann Norgaard was born on May 12, 1934, to Ben and Frances (Folstad) Gaudian in Ruthton, Minnesota where she was raised while her father worked on the railroad. She was baptized at Peace Lutheran Church in Ruthton and attended the local school where she was a cheerleader and helped in the library. She graduated in 1952. Betty furthered her education at the Minnesota School of Business for one year before returning to the rural life that suited her in Ruthton. She began her working career at the bank. Betty was introduced to Virgil Norgaard and the two enjoyed dancing many nights away together. They were united in marriage on June 17, 1956, at Betty’s church. Betty and Virgil made their home on the Dairy Farm east of Tyler, Minnesota and she enjoyed lending a hand with the calves and farm chores in addition to maintaining their home and raising the children. Eventually, Betty and Virgil sold the farm and moved into town. They became residents of the Danebod Village in 2015. Virgil preceded Betty in death on March 12, 2024. In December of 2024, Betty entered the Hendricks Nursing Home and remained there until her passing on May 25, 2026 at the age of 92.

Betty was most recently a member of First English Lutheran Church in Tyler. She was active with the circle group and choir. In her spare time Betty kept busy by working on puzzle books and visiting, frequently over all sorts of card games and bridge. She was a member of the Grandma’s Club.

Betty is remembered by her children, Tammy Jo of Phoenix, Arizona and Terry Lee of Verdi, Minnesota; and three grandchildren, Jordan, Lexi, and Nikki Norgaard; two great-granddaughters, Eleanor and Elizabeth Norgaard. She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil; her parents; and daughter-in-law, Lana.