Betty Drath's Funeral Service Video

On the morning of Sunday, September 3, 2023, Betty Jane (Behnke) Drath passed away peacefully in her home after listening to her church service on the radio with family by her side. Betty was born November 24th, 1926 to the late Perl and Loretta Behnke. She graduated from Clintonville High School in 1944. On September 18, 1946, she married Dale Drath. They purchased the Drath family farm in Shiocton, WI from his parents in 1955. In addition to raising a family, she worked at Hansen Glove Factory in Clintonville and Larsen Canning Co. in Hortonville. Betty enjoyed camping and sewing. She loved all animals, especially the birds and stray cats she fed every day. Her favorites were cardinals and hummingbirds. Betty was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bear Creek, WI. A member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Betty kept the teachings of Christ close to her heart. She was loved by all for her warm smile, infectious laughter, and caring personality. Betty was "the best wife, best mother, and best grandmother."

Betty is survived by her 3 brothers: Earl Behnke (Deann), Morie Behnke, Ordelle Behnke (Darlene); 4 children: Gary Drath (friend Cheri), Ken Drath (Wendy), Rick Drath (Debbie) and Sharon Secor (Tom); daughter-in-law, Debra Drath; 31 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great grandchildren; and many loving friends and neighbors.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dale Drath (2005), eldest son Donald Drath (2022); sister, Arlyce Munday (Buck); sister-in-law, Dorie Behnke; grandson Danny Drath (1996); granddaughter Heather Drath (2022) and nephew Dave Munday.

The Funeral Service for Betty will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 11, 2023 at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New London with Rev. Mark Tiefel.  The visitation will take place at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  Burial will be in Floral Hill Cemetery, New London.

Her family thanks Compassus Hospice & Palliative Care, Pastors Heiges and Dorn, Shirley Drath, Jean Michaels and her daughter, Cheyenne, along with other family members and all others who took part in her care for their assistance in keeping Betty comfortable in her home.