Elizabeth "Betty" Elkjer

Elizabeth “Betty” Mary Elkjer, age 100, of Willmar passed away Monday evening, Nov 8, at Brookdale Assisted Living in Willmar.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com

The funeral service may be viewed via live stream at: www.ourlivingwater.org/bettyelkjer.html

Elizabeth Mary Michels was born on May 23, 1921, in Hibbing, Minnesota, the daughter of Leo and Mary (Buttweiler) Michels. Betty’s parents moved to Willmar in 1925 when she was five years old. Betty grew up in Willmar and graduated from Willmar High School in 1939. She then attended the Minneapolis School of Business and worked at several offices in Willmar as a secretary, including the Willmar Public Schools system. On August 2, 1942, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Willmar, Betty was united in marriage to Byron E. Elkjer and they made their home in Willmar.

She is survived by her six children, Tom (and Carmen) Elkjer of Waco, TX, Mary Margaret Elkjer of Willmar, Jerry (and Mollie) Elkjer of Spicer, Jane (and Lee) Radzak of Willmar, Dan (and Bobbi) Elkjer of Willmar, and John (and Julie) Elkjer of Hawaii; nine grandchildren; 11 great- grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, besides many other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Byron in 2018; one grandson, Nathan Elkjer and two brothers, Dr. James Michels and Dr. Roger Michels.