Elizabeth (Betsy) Gerland, dies at 87

Betsy Gerland died peacefully at home, surrounded by family on February 17, 2023.  She was born August 19, 1935 in Urbana, Illinois, to Van and Lois Norman.  She met her husband, Don Gerland in 1954 while she was attending Colorado College and he was in the Army at Ft. Carson.  They were married in 1955.

Betsy loved being a homemaker, but also worked outside of home at the Barron County Circuit Court House, Sockness Shoe and Primrose Parlor.  Over the years, she was active in the Rice Lake Federated Music club, the Rice Lake Fortnightly Club, the First United Methodist Alter Guild and was their hand bell choir director.  She enjoyed playing the piano, reading, swimming, doing crossword puzzles and taking art classes at UW-Barron County Campus.

Betsy is survived by her husband of 67 years, Don; three children, Suzanne Sweet of Bowie, Maryland, Bruce Gerland (Rene’) of Amherst Junction, Wisconsin and Tod Gerland (Joan) of Rice Lake; three grandchildren, Skyler Stevens (Dillon) of Kasson, Minnesota, Samantha Gerland of Wheaton, Minnesota, Daniel Gerland of Minneapolis, Minnesota; a sister, Sue Mekkelson of Williamsport, Maryland; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service and visitation will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 1221 Wesley Street, Rice Lake, Wisconsin on Saturday, February 25, 2023.  Visitation will begin at noon, with the memorial service following at 1:00 pm. Interment will be private at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church, UW-EC Barron County Art Department or Marshfield Medical Center-Rice Lake Home Health and Hospice.

The family wishes to thank their extended families and friends for all the love and support they provided during Betsy’s illness.