Betty Freda Thorngren

A beautiful angel is heading to heaven...



Betty Freda Thorngren, died peacefully Monday, January 11, 2016 in Grand Island at the age of 89.



Memorial Services will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday, January 16, 2016 at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island. Pastor Matthew Fowler will be officiating.



There will not be a public visitation. To honor Betty's wishes, her body was cremated. Memorials are suggested to the Friendship Manor King's Daughters Home in Rock Island, Illinois, or the Donor's Choice.



Betty was born on February 8, 1926 in Louisville, Kentucky to William J. and Florence Lena (Mathews) Stoelting. She met the love of her life in 7th grade at John Deere Jr. High School in Mrs. Wiggin's homeroom. Although it took a while for her to warm up to the idea, they were wed on May 25, 1947.



She graduated from Moline High School in 1944. Betty worked as a secretary for Deere and Co. for four years. Over the next 12 years, they were blessed with 5 children.



Betty was a charter member of the Sarah Gamble Circle of King's Daughters. She was a quilter, played the piano, loved music, enjoyed fishing, and was an amazing tennis player. At age 16, she won the Tri-City Open Tennis Tournament.



Survivors include her husband, William H. "Bill" Thorngren of Grand Island; children; Julie Hanger, of Moline, Illinois, Virgina Rush of Omaha, Teresa (Jeff) Thorngren-Seiler of Wellington, Florida, Jane Thorngren (Gail Yenny) of Grand Island, and Walt Thorngren (Sue Palmer) of St. Louis, MO; sister, Florence Traub of Portland, Oregon; 7 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews whom she adored; and her constant companion, Maggie who was adopted from the Central Nebraska Humane Society.



She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, William (Jean) Stoelting; and sister, Anna (Neal) Payden; and son-in-law, Ken Hanger.



Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.apfelfuneralhome.com