Betty Friese

A visitation for Betty Friese, of Starbuck, Minnesota, will be on Saturday, May 27, 2023, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Barrett Community Center in Barrett, Minnesota.  

Betty Lou Friese was born on July 17, 1950, in Rock Rapids, Iowa to John Albert and Dorothy Jean (Good) Hayne.  Betty was baptized in her faith at Trinity Lutheran Church in Grove Lake, Minnesota.  She received her education in Rock Rapids and later transferred to Brandon Valley in Brandon, South Dakota.  Betty was united in marriage to Marlin “Boots” Friese on July 16, 1967.  Together, they moved around for a couple years while Boots was traveling for work until 1970, when they settled on a farm East of Barrett, Minnesota.  They farmed together for a short time; and stayed on the farm for 53 years.  In her working years, Betty worked various jobs, including: Certified Nurses’ Aide at nursing homes in Barrett and Hoffman, bartending, waitressing, and cooking.  Betty was an excellent cook and shared her talent at local bars, the senior center and Elbow Lake School.  She was a hard worker and enjoyed every job she had.  In April of 2022, Boots and Betty purchased a home in Starbuck, Minnesota and moved in Memorial Day weekend of that same year.  Boots preceded Betty in death on June 27, 2022.  Betty continued to live at home until the time of her death.

Betty enjoyed traveling with her sisters and Nancy.  She looked forward to her annual lefse days with Lynn and quilting with the girls’ group at Peace Lutheran Church in Barrett.  Betty spent a fair share of time chasing after Boots as well.  In her earlier years, Betty also enjoyed camping, sewing, gardening and canning.

Betty died peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at home under the care of her family and Glacial Ridge Hospice; she was 72 years old.

Betty is survived by her three children: Robin Anderson (Chuck Henriksen) of Cyrus, Lisa (Kurt) Swensrud of Starbuck and Chad (Tanya) Friese of Granite Falls; ten grandchildren: Jayde (Jon) Jallo, Tristan (Bailey McCollum) Anderson, Alicia (Aaron) Schueller, Tyrel (Jordan) Swensrud and Dylan (Megan Olmcheid) Swensrud, Yolanda (Dustin) Voth, Brook Iverson, Austin (Raelin) Friese, Ayden Friese, Evan Friese; 11 great-grandchildren: Easton Nohl and Callen Jallo, Kinsley Anderson, Sawyer Swensrud, Jackson and Landon Schueller, Payton, Porter and Emmett Swensrud, Emeril and Leeland Voth; siblings: John “Jack” (Brenda) Hayne of Volga, South Dakota and Marty (Bruce) Martin of Apple Valley, California; and many nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Boots; parents: John and Dorothy; parents-in-law: Albert and Lou Friese; great-grandson, Jake Voth; sisters: Jean Quade and Kay (Clair) Henriksen; and nephews: John Brock and AJ Grizzel.