Betty Minkel, age 96, of Rice Lake, WI, died Saturday, August 23, 2025 in Cumberland, WI.

Betty was born on May 14, 1929 near Haugen, WI. Her parents were Gaylord and Francis (Bartle ) Zimmerman. She had five siblings. On the farm she performed her assigned chores and she reveled in the natural world. A caring passion for all things in nature (except for mice) that lasted all her life. She excelled at Sunnyside Country School and was one of the first students to get bus service to Washington High School in Rice Lake where she graduated in 1947. Victor Minkel and Betty were married at Grace Lutheran Church in 1948. From this loving union were born three children - Roxie, Brad and Sandy. Before Vic’s passing in 2012 they were married 64 years.

Betty was proud of her career as a Surgical Technician at Lakeview Hospital. In addition to assisting for scheduled surgeries, she often was “on call” for the emergency room. While there she made many professional friends. In 1983 Vic and Betty moved to Florida where she became the social director of her community. She had a wild “pet” alligator named “Allie” that she would feed marshmallows. For all of her 96 years Betty enjoyed many activities such as waterskiing, golfing, alpine skiing and dancing at Sokup’s Dance Hall. Vic and Betty inspired everyone to participate with them. In order to be closer to family they moved back to Northern Wisconsin. Vic and Betty delighted in encouraging their grandchildren in many varied endeavors.

Betty is survived by 2 children, RoxAnne (Jim) O’Brien and Brad Minkel; 7 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gaylord and Frances Zimmerman; her husband, Victor Minkel; a daughter, Sandy Hrudka; a daughter-in-law, Jane Minkel; and siblings, Orlo, Mickee, Gordon, June and Neil.

The family thanks Cumberland Care and Rehabilitation Center for their caring professionalism.

A celebration of life will be held at 3PM Saturday, September 6, 2025 at the First Lutheran Church in Rice Lake, Rev. Jon Cluppert officiating, with interment in the Nora Cemetery in Rice Lake. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the Funeral Service at the church.

Last Update: Aug 27, 2025 10:18 am CDT