Betty Thielen passed away peacefully, surrounded by love and family on Sunday, July 24th; she was 95 years old. Betty was born in Sauk Centre, and raised her family in Brooklyn Center, where she worked for Graco in the Billing Department. Betty and her husband Joe retired to their lake home on Birch Lake in 1989.  The most important things to Betty were her family, her faith, and her friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her first husband, Ray Verkennis; her second husband, Joe Thielen; and her ten brothers and sisters. Betty is survived by her children Stephen, Greg (Helga), Tom (Lisa), and Patty (Craig); her grandchildren Samantha (Tyler), Dan (Nikki), Jessica, Elke, and Henry; and great grandson Mason.

Visitation and funeral will both be at Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church in Big Lake (440 Lake Street North). Visitation was held Thursday, July 28th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm; funeral was held Friday, July 29th at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior.  Burial and luncheon to follow.  Mary of the Visitation will also be live-streaming the funeral on their YouTube page here:  https://tinyurl.com/346jpnms  Donations can be made in Betty's memory to research macular degeneration at www.brightfocus.org  Arr. by Dare’s Funeral Home, Elk River, 763-441-1212. (www.daresfuneralservice.com)