Betty Czepa

In Loving Memory Of

Betty Catherine Czepa

Betty Czepa, the daughter of Henry and Margaret (Odenbrett) Pollak, was born on August 9, 1937 in Worthington, MN. She grew up on a farm east of Avoca, MN and attended St. Gabriel’s Catholic School in Fulda and then graduated from Fulda High School in 1955. She then worked at the Citizen’s State Bank in Fulda. Betty met the love of her life, Emil Czepa Jr., in August of 1957, shortly after he returned from the U.S. Navy. They married on April 4, 1959 at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church. She continued working at the bank until April of 1961 and then stayed at home as they started raising their family. During that time, she performed alteration services for Haar’s Men’s Clothing Store, and for others in need of such services. Betty also taught 10th grade release for the Catholic Faith Formation program for 15 years. In September of 1978 she began working for Dr. George Brockway DDS, and after 5 years of employment, she decided to attend dental school in Canby to become a Dental Assistant, which she did until her retirement in 1998. Betty kept busy serving her community as well as her faith. She was an EMT for the Fulda Ambulance for 10 years; Head Judge for election days; chairman of the local Boy Scout Troop; treasurer of the VFW Auxiliary for 20 years; member of the St. Gabriel’s FCCW, rotating through positions of treasurer, secretary and chairman; Communion Eucharistic Minister; Minister of Hospitality; made up commentator notes and prayers of the faithful for 20 years; quilted with the ladies on Monday mornings; and visiting new members to the parish for 24 years. Betty also had many hobbies, but especially enjoyed baking, sewing, quilting and gardening, and she loved to share all the fruits of those labors with her family. What she loved most of all was being with her children and their families, which included many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandson. Betty enjoyed attending all their various events throughout the years. They were her pride and joy and she gave selflessly to all of them. She also had a very close relationship with her sister, Maxine. Betty passed away on Sunday, August 8, 2021 at the Avera Mckennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 83. 

Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Emil Jr. of Fulda, MN; 7 children, Doug (Julie) Czepa of Papillion, NE, Laurel (Mike) Pap of Sioux Falls, SD, Lisa (Tom) Diekmann of Lismore, MN, Bob (Martha) Czepa of Woodbury, MN, Jeff (Jodi) Czepa of Rogers, MN, Jerry (Debbie) Czepa of Proctor, MN and Cory (Sarah) Czepa of Prior Lake, MN; 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson; sister, Maxine Pollak of Fulda, MN; brother-in-law, James Czepa; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents and brothers and sisters-in-law, Walter Czepa, Francis & Gladys Czepa, Lester & Genevieve Czepa, Dorothy & Clair Springman and Bonnie Czepa. 

Funeral Services

St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church Fulda, MN at 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 14, 2021 with Msgr. R. Paul Heiting officiating.  The organist is Judy Andrews. Special music provided by Sheila Crowley and Lloyd Winter. The pallbearers are her grandchildren. Interment at St. Gabriel’s Cemetery Fulda, MN.

Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 7 PM at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Fulda and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. The Totzke Funeral Home in Fulda is assisting the family with arrangements. 

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