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Elizabeth “Betty” Hastrieter Tonne, age 78, passed away with her family by her side at her home on Sunday, July 19th. Betty was diagnosis with Leukemia and Dementia that she put a valiant fight for several years.
She was born in Wausau, Wisconsin on January 7, 1942 the daughter of Kenneth and Helen Hastreiter. Betty attended and graduated from UW Milwaukee with a degree in Elementary Education ensuing employment to teach young minds. Betty was introduced to the Northwoods in 1961 by joining her father on a business trip up north. He encouraged her to look for employment at the yet un-opened new Paul Bunyan Restaurant. She was accepted…before formally applying, this painted the course for the rest of her life.
As if it was meant to be, Betty was the first waitress hired, it was this move that resulted in meeting the love of her life, John Tonne. They married on August 26, 1965 at Our Lady Queen of the Universe Church in Woodruff, WI. Betty and John raised 3 children; Mike, Mary and Julie. Together as a family they grew the Paul Bunyan restaurants in Minocqua and Wisconsin Dells.
Betty was a loving wife, a caring and compassionate mother, a grandmother to look up to, a sister to lean on, aunt to cherish, and a boss that one was proud to work for. Over the years she was proud of her 11 grandkids. She also made a lasting impression and instilled an excellent work ethic into 10’s of thousands of employees that she worked with over the years at the restaurants.
Betty is survived by her husband John Tonne and by children Mike Tonne, Mary (Trevor) Hickey and Julie (Craig) Smith and by her beloved grandchildren Adam Hickey, Taylor (Munir) Frank, Jordan, Hunter, Kennedy and Carver Hickey and by Madeline, Alexandra, Samuel, Jacqueline and Gabriel Smith and by great grandchildren Munir Jr and Sirius Frank and by her sister Katherine Muehlenbach and brother Kenneth Hastreiter and by many nieces, nephews, relatives and countless friends.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents Kenneth and Helen and by her sisters Barbara, Judith and Mary Lou.
Private family services were held at Nimsgern Funeral Home Chapel in Woodruff, WI with Father James Hoffman officiating and interment took place at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Arbor Vitae, WI.
Memorial Mass and gathering for Betty will be held at a later date.
Betty always greeted people with a smile and would always want to pass on a hello to people she knew. This time, as she enters Heaven, we ask Betty to pass on the hellos to people we knew.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or Alzheimer’s Association or make a special trip to a restaurant of your choice and cherish your time together.
Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com
NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.
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Nimsgern Funeral Home | 1025 Margaret Street | PO Box 230 | Woodruff, Wisconsin 54568
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