Bettyann Esther (Kratz) Mcdermott

BettyAnn Esther (Kratz) McDermott, 79, of Morris, Illinois, went to her heavenly resting place with family at her side on October 10, 2022. She was born on June 29, 1943, in Mountain Lake, Minnesota to Walter and Esther (Carlson) Kratz. BettyAnn was a graduate of Comfrey High School and attended Mankato State University where she earned a degree in Speech and English.

She married Douglas Loryn McDermott on April 2, 1966, in Comfrey, Minnesota. They were married 16 days before Doug was off to boot camp for the Navy. Being a military wife was an absolute pleasure for BettyAnn. She enjoyed attending military functions and the friendships they made while Doug served in the Navy for 8 years. They were stationed in Pensacola, FL, Norfolk, VA, and Naples, Italy. She even touched the Pope during a visit to Rome! BettyAnn and Doug have four children – Chad and Krista, born while stationed in Pensacola, FL, and twins Todd and Troy, whom they welcomed in Green Bay, WI.

During her career as a teacher, BettyAnn taught speech and English at the junior high level; taught first grade; substituted as a French teacher; taught speech, reading & writing to underprivileged members of the military (her most rewarding position); did substitute teaching in the Green Bay area; and taught English as a second language for the Hmong Association in Green Bay, where she also served as Director during her last year. During their time in Green Bay, BettyAnn and Doug partnered in the auction business with the Massart's for nearly 10 years before accepting a business opportunity and moving to Morris, IL, where they worked side by side for nearly 25 years. BettyAnn was very active at Ascension Lutheran in Green Bay as well as Service League, where she led the largest fundraiser during her fourth year.

BettyAnn's family would describe her as sweet, caring, loving, friendly, witty, amazing…and chatty! She was so proud of her family, loved them immensely, and cherished the time they had together. While the kids were growing up, she enjoyed being on the sidelines and travelling with the soccer club. BettyAnn loved to read – historical and civil war novels being her favorite. Her faith was very important to her – she read her Guidepost regularly and was always praying for someone. She loved to stay in touch with extended family and especially loved the Kratz family reunions. BettyAnn was great in the kitchen – whether it was whipping up a recipe on the fly, or family favorites like her mother's caramel rolls, Bob Bossie potatoes, scalloped corn, milk gravy and toast when you were under the weather, or guacamole, to name a few.

Doug and BettyAnn shared 56 wonderful years of marriage and truly loved travelling together on their business adventures – meeting many wonderful people along the way. They also enjoyed many years as snowbirds working and living in Florida for several months of the year.

BettyAnn is survived by her husband, Douglas; four children, Chad (Cathy) McDermott, Krista, Todd (Laura) McDermott, and Troy McDermott; twelve grandchildren, McKenzie and Madelyn McDermott, Brady, Maxwell, and Myles McDermott, Oavie, Oriann, and Mia McDermott, and Krista's family; two great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other special friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Esther Kratz; and siblings, Darlene Dickmeyer, Delwin Kratz, and Donna Davis.

Friends may call at Ascension Lutheran Church, 2911 Libal Street, Green Bay, WI, from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. on October 22, 2022, followed by a service at 12:00 with Revs. Luther and Lori Swenson officiating. Burial will be at Allouez Catholic Cemetery, Green Bay.