General Information
Full Name: Bette L. Conard
Date of Birth: October 2, 1938
Date of Death: November 27, 2013
Bette’s life story
Bette L. (Wirtanen) Conard age 75 passed away in Sandy, UT on Nov.27 2013.
Bette was born on Oct.2 1938 in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to Julius and Hannah Wirtanen of Atlantic Mine, MI. Bette attended Jeffers High School in Painesdale, MI. Upon graduation she moved to Minneapolis, MN and became employed by Northwest Airlines. She was a Pioneer for women by becoming the first female to work on the hanger floor, and it was there that she met and married John Junior Conard in 1971. Their love for traveling brought them around the world until settling in Prior Lake, MN in 1974, where they had two children (Eddie and Julie) before the passing of John in 1978.
Bette is remembered having dedicated her life to her children and helping others. She was a faithful volunteer at her church, a bible study leader, and a befriender. She shared her adventurous heart with her children through many sporting events and family vacations. Retiring after 42 years at Northwest Airlines she started a pet daycare and also became a Foster home for cats through the Carver-Scott Humane Society. Continuing to help others she opened her home to college students working nearby for the summers and to several friends and family members. Bette truly loved her family and helping others.
Surviving are her Children, Son Edward John-Buigues, daughter Julie Anna (Matthew) Collins, granddaughter Kaisa Elizabeth Collins of Sandy, Utah, Mother-In Law Norma Beitler of Granger, IN. Sisters: Anita Gerich of Dodgeville, MI, Annette (Norman) Vollrath of Ray, MN, Judie (Bill) Alatalo of St Ignace, MI, Dolly Felten of Chaska, MN, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Bette was preceded in death by her husband John Conard, her parents Julius and Hannah Wirtanen, a brother Donald, two sisters, Sherry and Janine.
Because of her love for animals in lieu of flowers please send donations to Carver-Scott Animal Humane Society. www.carverscotths.org/memorials.aspx
Services will be Jan. 18 at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church in Prior Lake, MN with internment at Dawn Valley Memorial Park, Bloomington, MN. Visitation from 9:00 am to 11:00, memorial service at 11:00. A luncheon will be served at the church after internment.
arrangements by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Prior Lake www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
Visitation
When: Saturday, January 18th, 9 – 11 am
Location: Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church
Address: Prior Lake, MN
Service Information
When: Saturday, January 18th, 11 am
Location: Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church
Address: Prior Lake, MN
Interment
Dawn Valley Cemetery
Bloomington, MN
