Josephine (Josie) Gardner Betzelberger

San Jose – Mrs. Josephine (Josie) Gardner Betzelberger, 92, of San Jose passed away and went to be with her Lord at 8:05 a.m. on Friday, June 21, 2013 at the Mason City Area Nursing Home. A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 7th at the San Jose United Methodist Church in San Jose where she was a member for 72 years with a light meal following the service. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. before the memorial service at the church. Burial will be in the Green Hill Cemetery in rural San Jose, IL. Josie was born on April 30, 1921, in Mason City, IL, the daughter of Roy and Edith (Alkire) Gardner. She married Logan E. Betzelberger on August 22, 1941 in Peoria, Illinois. He preceded her in death on April 18, 1983. Josie is survived by her children, Robert L. (Luellen) Betzelberger of San Jose; Linda Betzelberger of Peoria; and Judith Ann Ginther of Sonora, CA, her grandchildren, Ryan Betzelberger of Nashville, TN; Marc (Megan) Betzelberger of Shelbyville, TN; Justin (Michelle) Betzelberger of Tujunga, CA; Robert (Brenda) Ginther of Sacrmento, CA and Wendy Ginther of San Francisco, CA; and her great-grandchildren, Jacob Betzelberger, Benjamin Betzelberger, Jonathan Betzelberger of Shelbyville, TN; Camille Betzelberger, Logan Betzelberger of Tujunga, CA; Robby Ginther, Bryce Ginther, and Ryan Ginther of Sacramento, CA.; 2 nieces, Royce Ann (Dr. David) Fore and their children and grandchildren; and Sonja (Ken) Lutz and their children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Ann Gardner; her sister and brother-in-law, Berniece and John Siegrist; and her nephew, Roy John Gardner. Josie and her husband, Logan, farmed in the San Jose area. Logan was co-founder of the Illinois Polled Hereford Association. Josie enjoyed her association with the Illinois Pollettes, the women’s auxiliary of the IPHA. She was fond of entertaining and loved to play pinochle. Josie loved her family and music. Education was very important to Josie. She was valedictorian of her high school class and encouraged her three children to go to college. She was proud that all three children earned college degrees. She served many years as a singer in her church choir and Sunday school teacher. She was active in the Mason City Euterpean Society where she was known for her tap dancing and singing. Josie was a member of the San Jose Women’s Club and sang in the Women’s Club choir. Josie loved to go on the Spoon River Drive and especially loved the flea markets and the bargains she would find. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Josie’s name may be made to the San Jose United Methodist Church or to the Mason City Area Nursing Home Scholarship Fund. To express condolences for the family online, visit www.hurleyfh.com. Hurley Funeral Home in Mason City is assisting the family with arrangements.

Josephine (Josie) Gardner Betzelberger

April 30, 1921 - June 21, 2013

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