Betty L. Herpolsheimer

Betty L. Herpolsheimer

Sept. 7, 1922 – Feb. 26, 2018

Betty Louise (Newald) Herpolsheimer passed away peacefully Feb. 26, 2018, in Seward at the age of 95 years, 5 months and 19 days. Betty was born Sept. 7, 1922, to Martin and Emma (Mohr) Newald in Riverdale, Illinois, south of Chicago. She attended St. Paul Lutheran School in Dolton, Illinois, and was a graduate of Concordia University Chicago.

She taught first grade at Grace Wellston in St. Louis County, Missouri, where she met and married the Rev. Arthur Herpolsheimer on Aug. 17, 1946. Art accepted the call to be a pastor in Edwardsville, Illinois, and Betty continued teaching first grade in Edwardsville. Art and Betty served at Trinity Edwardsville from 1947 to 1976. During this period, Betty continued to teach first grade and was involved in many service activities within the congregation.

Betty enjoyed baking, crocheting, embroidery and traveling. She always had cookies available at the parsonage for visitors and made gingerbread men and stollen at Christmas time, which she served when carolers came to sing around the parsonage Christmas tree, which was decorated with candles and angels. Betty made many crocheted gifts for people. Her specialty was crocheted angels. She also did counted cross-stitch and embroidery work. Family members would receive Christmas cards with counted cross-stitch designed on them.

Betty traveled to Europe with her sisters, Helen and Marge, numerous times. They attended the Passion play at Oberammergau, Germany, and did research on family history. A member of Betty’s family has attended every presentation of the Passion play since 1960. Art and Betty also traveled within the United States, making many trips to Colorado, California, Illinois and Arizona.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Art Herpolsheimer; parents, Martin and Emma Newald; brothers, Martin and Louis; and sisters, Helen, Catherine and Marge.

Betty is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

A funeral service was held March 5, 2018, at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward, with the Rev. Scott Bruick officiating. Casketbearers were Bill Preuss, Rex Owens, Ray Huebschman, Chip Aegerter, Ken Block and Bill Wolfram. Interment was in the Seward Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, Concordia University or the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.volzkefuneralhome.com.