Bette Julie Hoekman
June 27, 1935 ~ April 16, 2022
Bette Hoekman, 86, Brandon, died Saturday, April 16, 2022, unexpectedly at her home from health complications.
Celebration of Bette’s Life is set for 10am, Saturday, April 30, 2022, at Heartland Funeral Home, with Inurnment, along with her beloved Al, will follow at the Serviceman’s Memorial Cemetery in Mitchell, SD.
Bette Julie Passehl was born on June 27, 1935, in McIntosh, SD, to Frederick & Sophia (Frank) Passehl.
Bette held different jobs during the years, such as working for the Mitchell Police Department in dispatch and as a meter attendant, home health care and Brady Memorial Nursing Home, Feinstein’s in sales, and she was in the advertising department at the Mitchell Advisor, which is where she met her husband Al. Bette and Al were married on December 2, 1973.
Bette was a very talented artist. She did portraiture, landscapes, and still life, as well as murals for several local grocery stores. She carved hunting scenes in wood and made custom leatherwork. Her cooking was delicious, and the family still enjoys all the wonderful recipes she handed down and patiently taught. Her floral gardening was always beautiful, and she enjoyed being outdoors working on them. She was also an avid bowler and enjoyed archery and golf. She was also a great poker player who many underestimated, much to their chip losing sorrow.
Grateful for having shared her life are six children, Mike (Jan) Karber, Hartford, SD, Hollie Karber, Mitchell, SD, Kim (Paul) Vuchetich, Sioux Falls, SD, Brett (Danielle) Karber, Brandon, SD, Vic (Suzanne) Hoekman, Abilene, KS, and Kevin (Annie) Hoekman, Abilene, KS; her brother, Arnie (Liz) Passehl, Kingman, AZ; twenty-three grandchildren, Jenny, Lorenzo, Sage, Robbie, Oriya, Nathan, Matt, Kim, Chris, Ryan, Josh, Chase, Shawn, Corey, Nathan, Nick, Shauni, Tara, Tanner, Dakota, Shay, Heath, and Lane; and Bette also had twenty great-grandchildren.
Bette was preceded in death by her husband, Al; her parents, Frederick and Sophia (Frank) Passehl; and her sister, Rose.
Betty was an amazing lady that we cleaned for and each time we came we heard of all the places and times and so many places she traveled with her husband Al, who she missed so deeply we know just by the way she talked about him. She was always so fun to talk to and to hear of the islands and people and places they traveled was something that you could tell she longed for. We waited for each time after we cleaned and took our spots on the couch or chair and always with her beloved Duffy who waited for us and it’s as if WE were with her on each journey and the laughter and love she spoke with was just mesmerizing to hear. Betty will be missed so very much and she is now with her beloved Al who she so longed to be with. My deepest sympathy to her children whom she always spoke of and loved. Miss Betty. enjoy it all and I know you are smiling and sitting in the sun on those islands with Al XOXO
So sorry for your families loss. Healing thoughts and prayers to all of you. Betty was a awesome lady .
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathies go to you and your family. May God give you comfort and peace.