Betty Jean Bigalke

Betty Jean Bigalke, 87 year old resident of Little Falls, MN, passed away on Monday, February 3, 2014 at St. Otto’s Care Center in Little Falls. Funeral Service will be held at 10 AM on Friday, Feb. 7th at Bethel Lutheran Church in Little Falls. Rev. Jean Megorden will officiate and burial will be at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls. Friends and family may visit from 4 until 7 PM on Thursday, and 9 to 10 AM Friday, both visitations at the church. Arrangements are with Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls. Betty Jean Harrington was born on August 30, 1926 in Randall, MN, to the late Eugene and Bessie (Bates) Harrington. She grew up on the family farm and attended country school in Parker Township. Betty graduated from Little Falls High School and completed Teachers Training in Little Falls. She then taught in Parker Township. Betty was united in marriage to Donald “Bronk” Bigalke on June 17, 1948 at Randall Presbyterian Church. They settled in Randall and raised their family. Betty also worked at Little Falls Medical Center, Larson and Crestliner Boatworks as a receptionist/secretary. After retirement, Betty and Bronk managed the Randall V.F.W. for several years. Betty was also active in her community and at her church. Her passion was her family, and she enjoyed attending all the events her grandchildren participated in. Betty looked forward to family get-togethers, cooking and baking, and was known for her homemade noodles and turtle cookies. Bronk and Betty always raised a large garden, sharing freely with family and others in the community. Betty was famous for her delicious dill pickles. In 2003, they sold their home in Randall and moved into Little Falls. Betty was a member of the Randall V.F.W. Post #9073 Ladies Auxiliary, as well as other community groups. Betty is survived by her sons, Dean (Sherry) of New London, MN, Greg (Diane) of Monticello, MN, and Scot (Diane) Bigalke of Hastings, MN; sister, Myrtle Miller of Little Falls; sister-in-law, Betty Jane Bigalke of Little Falls; 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Bessie Harrington; husband, Donald “Bronk” Bigalke; sister, Marion Jones; and several in-laws. Casketbearers will be her grandchildren, Troy Bigalke, Ryan Bigalke, Brett Bigalke, Kevin Bigalke, Melanie Harmon, Ben Bigalke, Mike Bigalke, Brian Bigalke, and Chad Bigalke. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN (320)632-5242 www.shelleyfuneralchapels.com

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Betty Jean Bigalke

August 30, 1926 - February 3, 2014