Bette Gorges' Memorial Service Video

Bette Lynn Gorges, age 81 of New London, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at her residence.  Bette was born the second oldest of ten children on July 12, 1942 in New London to the late Clarence and Viola (Lieg) Laux.  She lost her mother at a young age.  Her dad remarried Helen Rohan, who was a wonderful mother to Bette and her siblings. She attended New London Schools and graduated from Washington High School with the class of 1960.  She married Leland "PeeWee" Gorges on August 13, 1960 at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church.  He preceded her in death in 2011.  Bette worked various jobs, including many years at the Piggly Wiggly in New London, finally retiring from Kimberly Clark in Neenah.  Bette's most rewarding job was being a mother and grandmother.  Every Saturday, Bette would cook for her family.  Some would come out and camp by the house.  PeeWee and Bette were avid campers – many times taking kids and grandkids with them.  Some of their favorite destinations were Lake Emily and Collins Lake.  They enjoyed yearly trips to Las Vegas, "but never to gamble".  Bette also treasured trips taken with her siblings.  For the most part, Bette was a home body.  She was well read and loved crocheting.  She enjoyed maintaining her yard and being outdoors.  Bette wasn't much for television, but always watched Sunday Mass.  In Bette's final years, the rigors of cancer treatments and simply getting older, was softened by her constant companion, Munchkin.  Her faithful, furry friend brought her many years of unconditional love.  After Leland passed away, Bette's sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Bob, gave much needed love and support.  They were always there for Bette when it was needed most.  Bette's family thanks them gratefully.

Those left behind to cherish Bette's memory are her daughters, Barbara (Bernie) Ritchie, Jill (Paul) Bosquez, Sue Hansen (special friend, Larry) and Brenda (Tim) Maass; grandchildren, Josh (Jennifer) Ritchie, Jessi (Bob) Handrich, Bernie Ritchie III, Ryan Ritchie, Darrell (Sarah) Hansen, Ashley (Austin) Hauck, Cody Hansen, Cory Lemke, Kristin Lemke, Courtney Maass, Kayle (Christian) Catron, Bryce and Jeremy Bosquez; great-grandchildren, Levi, Layna, Storm, Skyler, Ethan, Lyric, KeAndre, Dallas, Carter,  Jordyn, Landen, Jacob and Grant; her siblings, Ann (Bob) Braaten, Peter (Jane) Laux, Theresa (Carl) Nelson,  Paula (Patti Onweller) Laux, Mary (Duwayne) Verch Jr., Mike (Vicki) Laux and Joe Laux (special friend, DeeAnn) and her in-laws, Art (Noni) Gorges, Pat Gorges, Marcia Seefeld and Doug (Janice) Gorges.

Bette was preceded in death by her husband, Leland; parents, Clarence "Pete", Viola and Helen Laux;  sister, Pat (Doug) Wolfe; brother, Jim Laux; mother and father-in-law, Harvey and Pearl Gorges and in-laws, Edith (Harold) Johnson, Laurence (Phyllis) Gorges, Marvin (Virginia) Gorges, Victor (Joyce) Gorges, Junior Gorges, Norma Jean (Gene) Gruenwald, Delton (Judy) Gorges, Roland Gorges, Lyle Gorges, Vernon Gorges and Rodney Seefeld.

The Memorial Service for Bette will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024 at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London with Fr. John Kleinschmidt officiating.  The visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  Burial will be in Most Precious Blood Cemetery, New London.