Betty J. Graf, 85, of Clear Lake, died Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at the Sanford Clear Lake Medical Center.
Mass of Christian Burial was Saturday, June 3, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Clear Lake. Inurnment will be in the Lakeview Cemetery, Clear Lake. The Houseman Funeral Home in Clear Lake is entrusted with the arrangements.
Betty was born on Sept. 10, 1931 to William and Grace (Painter) Lauseng. She was the ninth child out of 12 children. The only one born in a hospital in Webster, SD. Betty attended the #59 Codington County School up through eighth grade. She then began working at the John Ward Restaurant in Watertown. On July 10, 1951, Betty was married to William L. Graf. She then went to work for Fred and Marcella Sage at the Coast to Coast Store in Watertown from 1952 to 1964. Bill and Betty moved from Watertown to Clear Lake in 1961. From there she has cooked in Clear Lake for various restaurants in the area. Also working for her son Charles Graf at the Westside Tavern from 1984 to 2000. She loved to cook.
Betty was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Clear Lake. She loved to square dance in her younger years. She also bowled on several leagues. She was a witty, strong and lovable woman. She was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need.
Betty is survived by her husband William Graf, Clear Lake; children: Charles (special friend, Donna Mack) Graf, Clear Lake, Cheryl (Steven) Rust, Bath, Michael (Kari (Muth) Graf, Toronto; two grandchildren: Carrie (Robert Schert) Rust, Minneapolis and Martin Rust, Bath; two step-grandchildren: Kurt Larson, Sioux Falls and Kristina (Kevin) Schlenker, Woonsocket; one brother out of 12, William (Donna) Lauseng, Watertown; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents and five sisters and five brothers.
