Betty Mae Hvezda

Betty Mae Hvezda, beloved mother and grandmother, died Oct. 7 at age 87. She relished family gatherings and would love nothing more than spending time with people to reminisce, while also insisting they take a second or third helping of spaghetti hot dish or potato salad. Betty was born March 6, 1936, to Ellsworth and Agnes Bentley, and grew up on a farm near Villard, Minn., along with her four sisters. She met Ron Hvezda at a dance in Glenwood when they were both teenagers, and she knew he was the one. They married in 1953 — a union that lasted more than 60 years until Ron’s death in 2014. They raised three children, Mark, LaWana and Vickie Jo, in the Alexandria area. Betty had various jobs around town before landing at 3M, from which she eventually retired. She was a talented seamstress, always ready to sew an outfit, make some curtains or alter clothing for family, friends and others. Her crafting skills also included stained glass work, and her family and friends treasure the sun catchers, lamp shades and glass boxes she made for them. But her most cherished moments came from time spent with family and friends at holidays, summer fish frys and other gatherings. She loved a good party and a laugh — sometimes at her own expense when she would blurt out something on her mind without really thinking through how goofy it would sound. She was funny, just not always on purpose. Betty enjoyed family fishing trips to Canada and playing cards late into the night. Her grandchildren knew the house would be covered with decorations at Christmas, and there were always cookies in the cookie jar. Her husband gave her the nickname “Dimples,” and a snowmobile called “Dimps” is still in the family. Betty was preceded in death by her husband and sisters Frances (Russell) Dahl; Effie (Dick) Martin; Rosemary (Ervin) Dettler; Polly (Alfred) Haagenson. She is survived by her son Mark (Ramona) Hvezda, of Blaine; and daughters LaWana (Mike) Mullen of Carlos; and Vickie Jo (Brian) Hoppe of Miltona. She will be dearly missed by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even a great-great-grandchild: Tila (Aydemir) Basar and daughters Alanya and Leyla; Sarah Mullen and her children Shantayl (Noah) and Riley; Leesa (Levi) Bainum and children KayLynn (Josiah and son Milo), Leo and Kiernan; Eric Mullen; Karla (Ron) German and son Mark; Brad (Tya) Hvezda and sons Boedy and Wesley; and Bryan (Katie) Hvezda. A funeral service will be held Oct. 11 at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Alexandria; visitation at noon and service at 1p.m., burial to follow at Lake Mary Cemetery.