Obituary
Betty Jane Wemette
Betty Jane Wemette passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 26, 1945, to Ruth and Nelius Solberg.
Betty graduated from Westby High School and, throughout her life, worked a variety of jobs, including at Ellickson’s Photo Studio, Red Balloon Daycare Center, and H&R Block. Betty utilized her culinary skills when cooking at both Stockmen’s Inn and The Ridge Restaurant. She eventually began a 25-year career at Mayo/Franciscan Healthcare in La Crosse, where she worked as a switchboard operator until retiring at the age of 72.
On October 12, 1963, Betty married her high school sweetheart, David Warren Wemette. They would have celebrated 63 years of marriage this October. Their wedding day was as memorable as the life they built together. David, who hauled milk before becoming an over-the-road truck driver, happily rode away with his new bride while sitting together in the back of his milk truck. They affectionately became known as Biscuit and Sweetpea.
With David often away on the road, Betty became the heart and backbone of their home. She could cook, clean, fix just about anything, and somehow manage it all. She was independent, resourceful, and determined—and those same skills were lovingly passed down to her children. She even joined David on a few trips in his semi, including trips to New York City. Those adventures provided plenty of laughs and stories that the family would remember for years to come.
Betty was a devoted Green Bay Packer fan. She had an entire room dedicated to her collection of Packers memorabilia, gathered throughout the years. On game day, Betty was not disturbed until the final whistle. And when the Packers weren’t having their best day, it wasn’t unusual for a foam Packer brick to make its way toward the television. Her family knew better than interrupting a game—and certainly knew better than standing between Betty and her TV.
Betty was also a wonderful cook, and no one ever left her house hungry. Her crockpot lasagna and chicken dumpling soup were family favorites, and it was not uncommon for guests to leave with leftovers in hand. Feeding the people she loved was one of the many ways Betty showed her love.
Christmas was especially magical because of Betty. Each year, her grandchildren eagerly looked forward to her famous monster cookies. She took great pride in making Christmas special and went to great lengths to keep presents a surprise. Because her children were notorious for peeking and trying to figure out which gifts belonged to them, Betty sometimes numbered the packages instead of putting names on them. It was just one more of her clever ways of keeping the magic alive.
Betty loved to shop and especially enjoyed her day trips with Grandpa to Maurices in Medford. She also treasured the annual day-after-Christmas shopping trips with her
grandchildren—traditions that became special memories. She was a natural at interior decorating and took great pride in the beauty of her home.
Throughout her life, Betty enjoyed many adventures and hobbies. In her younger years, she loved spending time boating on the river. She proudly had the first swimming pool in Coon Valley, creating a gathering place for family and friends. She was also an accomplished trap shooter, earning numerous trophies and even outshooting her husband from time to time.
As the years went by, Betty found joy in quieter days. She loved working on puzzles with David, playing cards, and enjoying the simple comfort of being together. And every now and then, she enjoyed trying her luck at the slot machines.
Betty especially looked forward to visits with her children, grandchildren, and even her granddog, Duke. These visits brought her great joy and gave her many opportunities to share stories, laughter, love, and, of course, something delicious to eat.
For years, her license plate said, “CGRMAGO”. Her family will miss her deeply—but we know she is pain free and that she danced her way into heaven greeted by those who have gone before her.
Betty is survived by her children, Sandra Pierce; Richard (Rhonda) Wemette; Tamara (Bryan) Taylor; and Bruce (Rosie) Wemette; her grandchildren, Lucas (Corrigan) Davidson, Cas Pierce, Jim Imhoff, Liz (Bryan) Zannotti, Bethany (Eric) Jacobson, Joy (Ethan) Kruger, Hailey Imhoff, Jake Wemette, and Brady Wemette; as well as 10 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Nelius Solberg; her brothers, Alden Solberg and Kenneth Solberg; and her sisters-in-law, Edith Solberg and Shirley Solberg, and brother-in-law Gary Wemette, and Roger Wemette. She was also joined by her bother-in-law Harold Wemette 2 days later.
A Celebration of Life (open house) will take place from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday, September 19th at the Holmen American Legion.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Ed Malone, Eagle Crest Community, and St. Croix Hospice for the wonderful care they provided.
Condolences may be made to the family by visiting CouleeCremation.com.
So sorry everyone. She was a great lady.
Peace to you all at this sad time.
Joan and Al.