Betty Schwamman

Betty Schwamman, 91, of Waukon, IA, died Saturday, July 24, 2021, at her home in Waukon. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 16th, from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM at St. John's Lutheran Church in Waukon. Martin - Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling the arrangements. Condolences and cards may be sent to Shawny Jones at 9 West Railroad Lane, Waterville, IA, 52170.

Darlene Betty Schwamman was born October 16, 1929, in Detroit Lakes, MN, the daughter of Harry and Abigail (Miller) Westerholm. She grew up and attended school in the Waukon area. The oldest of four, she had three brothers: Norin "Swede", Harlan "Red", and Kleo "Wes". Betty worked at Handy's Cafe, The Soda Grill, Kennebec's Clothing Store, Quality Discount Store, and Pamida. She also worked at Quillin's, handing out samples, and did some home care for the elderly. In addition to working hard all of her adult life, Betty raised four daughters as well.

She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and the VFW Auxiliary. Betty loved to cook and bake and shared her baked goods with her family and many friends. One of her favorite things to make was her amazing peanut brittle around Christmas time. Betty had a love for flowers and if you asked her for one, she would always say, "don't thank me or they won't grow". She also enjoyed going to the Good Samaritan Society to visit with the residents. Betty would always say "I try to do one good deed every day", and she did.

Survivors include her four daughters: Linda (Eric Hanson) Hawbaker, Becky (Paul Burroughs) Robinson, Sherri (David) Lewey, and Lorri Hartson – Freilinger; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren and one on the way; her brother Harlan Westerholm; two sisters-in-law: Lillian Schmieden and Janice Westerholm; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lots of friends around Waukon that called her "Grandma Betty". She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; two brothers: Norin and Kleo Westerholm; a sister-in-law Doris; and son-in-law Roger Hawbaker.