Betty Ann Kreisel

Betty Kreisel, age 81, of New Hampton, Iowa was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Friday, January 3, 2020 at New Hampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Funeral services for Betty will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 11, 2020 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton with Pastor Kevin Frey officiating. Burial will be held at a later date at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 PM, Friday, January 10, 2020 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton and will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Online condolences may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be directed to the family. Betty Ann was born September 30, 1938, the daughter of William and Cora (Paggenkopf) Schultz in Mankato, MN. She attended and graduated from Mapleton High School. After graduating, Betty attained her Bachelor’s Degree in just three short years, majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Organ Performance. While Betty was at Mankato State, she met the love of her life, Sheldon Kreisel. The two were united in marriage on July 24, 1959 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They returned to Mankato for a short time where they welcomed their first daughter, Kimberly. The couple followed Sheldon’s teaching career to Vinton, IA where they welcomed their second daughter, Amy. Eventually, Betty and Sheldon made their home in New Hampton. Betty was devoted to caring for her family and serving those around her. She loved music! Betty was active with Trinity’s music stewardship in playing the organ and leading the Junior Choir. She also taught piano lessons in Iowa and back home in Minnesota. After Kim and Amy left home, Betty began her career as a Para educator for the New Hampton School District. She retired in 1995. Betty, Sheldon and the girls loved to travel; traversing the nation. They spent many summer vacations camping, hiking and visiting extended family. Betty and Sheldon also enjoyed years of square dancing. Betty had an amazing sense of adventure! She was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary, including a term as district president. Though she was active throughout her community, Betty’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She loved to serve with various aspects of faith life at Trinity Lutheran Church. Those left to honor her memory are her husband of 60 years, Sheldon Kreisel of New Hampton; her two daughters, Kim (Mark) Thomas of Urbandale, IA and Amy (Scott) Robinson of Atlantic, IA; her grandsons, SSG Benjamin (Tanner) Thomas of Utah, Samuel Thomas of Davenport, IA, and Anthony Robinson of Omaha, NE; her niece, Debbie Boesen and nephew, Ken Schultz. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Harold Schultz and sister, Beverly Schultz.