Betsy Hagelberg

News Death Notice



HAGELBERG, Betsy Sunday evening February 14, 2016, Betsy Hagelberg completed her life on earth with grace, dignity, and love, and, surrounded by her family, joined the "Church Triumphant." She will be dearly missed by her family and many, many friends. She lived a happy life of eighty years. Betsy is survived by her husband of 31 years, Paul Hagelberg, one daughter, Leslie Ortquist-Ahrens (Thomas Ahrens), two sons, Bruce Ortquist (Mindy) and Rob Hagelberg (Meri), one granddaughter, Emma Ortquist, four grandsons, Will Ortquist, Nick Ahrens (Holly), Caleb Hagelberg, Mitch Hagelberg, one great-granddaughter, Lucy Ahrens, and granddogs Chloe, Sammy, and Cubby. Betsy was a devoted and award-winning teacher of young children at St. Joseph's and at Emerson Elementary in Springfield from the time her own children started school until her retirement in 1996. While at Emerson, she forged a partnership with the Springfield Kiwanis club, whose members became active in her classroom as tutors, helpers, and friends who enriched countless children's lives. Betsy's greatest joy was spending time laughing and exchanging stories with her husband, children, and grandchildren, her "breakfast buddies" pals, and her new Oakwood Village friends. Her second greatest joy was organizing. Betsy loved her church, Good Shepherd Lutheran, was an active member of Kiwanis, WASSO, Clark County Retired Teachers Association, Friends of the Library, and other local organizations. With her husband Paul, she enjoyed attending the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, of which they were long-time supporters. She was an ever faithful booster for the City of Springfield, always eager to point out the good. A memorial service will be held at Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church on Friday, March 4 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements are being made through RICHARDS, RAFF & DUNBAR MEMORIAL HOME. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Mercy Hospice or the American Red Cross (including and especially donations of blood). Betsy was a wonderful wife, mother, and friend. She will be dearly missed.