Elizabeth "Betsy" R. Fjelstad, 89, of Rice Lake died on Aug. 26, 2026, at Heritage Lakeside. She was born on Nov. 18, 1936, to Robert and Norma Kranzfelder in Eau Claire.

Betsy graduated from Eau Claire Regis High School in 1954 and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Wisconsin State College at Eau Claire in 1958. She married Thomas L. Fjelstad on Sept. 3, 1960, and they raised three children in Rice Lake.

Betsy supported her family and was involved in church activities. She enjoyed sewing, making custom quilts, listening to classical music, and playing the piano.

Betsy was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years and son Daniel Fjelstad. She is survived by daughter Kathleen (Duke) Behnke of Neenah, son Eric (Susan Ladenthin) Fjelstad of Hayward and daughter-in-law Sheila Fjelstad of Cameron; seven grandchildren: Katelyn (Andre) Audette of Rice Lake, Jenny (Jhoan) Benavides of Eagan, MN, Kaiser (Kali) Behnke of Neenah, Vienna Behnke of Minneapolis, Seth Fjelstad of Cameron, Adam Fjelstad of Cameron and Abby Fjelstad of Eau Clarie; and six great-grandchildren.

She also is survived by sister Roma Witzig of Minneapolis, sister Annette (Bill) Kempke of Rochester, brother-in-law James Fjelstad of Sanibel, Florida, and sister-in-law Mary Hodges of Cheyenne, Wyoming. Private family services will be held.

Last Update: Aug 27, 2026 9:15 am CDT