Bette Jean Rissman

Bette J. Rissman, 85, of Waukon, IA, died Thursday, November 13, 2008, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon, IA. Funeral services will be held Monday, November 17th, at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church in Waukon, with Rev. Larry Olson officiating. Friends may greet the family for an hour before the service and again following the service at the church on Monday.

Bette Jean Rissman was born on November 5, 1923 in Dubuque, IA. She came to Waukon as a young girl where she was raised by her adoptive parents, B.K. and Catherine Orr. On June 3, 1943 she married Henry Rissman in Waukon. Betty and Henry farmed together for many years in Lansing Township, with Bette being very active in the farming operation. She also enjoyed 31 years working at the Northern Engraving in Lansing, until the plant closed. Bette was a regular attendee at First Presbyterian Church in Waukon. She liked playing cards, spending time with her family and friends, and tending to yard work and gardening. Bette also was an avid fitness enthusiast and spent time walking and exercising every day.


Survivors include her husband Henry of Waukon; a daughter, Sandy (Jim) Hosch of New Albin, IA; 7 grandchildren, Mike (Peggy) Rissman of Michigan, Tim (Shannon) Rissman of Cedar Rapids, IA, Daryl Hosch of Minneapolis, MN, Kristie (Brad) Reierson of Elgin, IA, Jim (Kathy) Hosch of New Albin, IA, Nikki (Ron) Konkel of Caledonia, MN and Brent Hosch of New Albin, IA; 11 great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Helen (Richard) Hainesworth of Stoddard, WI; 2 sisters, Sandra Sorenson of Waukegan, IL and Catherine Dolan of Minneapolis, MN; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by adoptive parents; a son, Donnie Rissman; a sister, Sharon Borre; and a brother, Richard Orr.