- Date Of Birth: July 14, 1933
- Date Of Death: June 15, 2020
- State: Iowa
Betty Wilcox, age 86, of Algona, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Monday, June 15, 2020 surrounded by her loving husband and children. Betty Lou Wilcox, the daughter of Chris and Thora (Pedersen) Pedersen, was born on July 14, 1933 in Bradgate, Iowa. She was baptized on December 14, 1933 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rutland. In 1936, Betty’s family moved to Rolfe where she graduated from High School in 1953. On May 31, 1953, Betty was united in marriage to Eddie Wilcox at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Rolfe. Betty was a wonderful wife and mother, who besides raising five children babysat in her home for several years. When Jody started school, she worked as an aide at the Guild Episcopal Church Preschool in Algona. When Betty no longer worked outside the home, she became an avid volunteer in many organizations. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and was a Sunday School Teacher & a circle chair for the Trinity Lutheran Women, she served over 30 years on Good Samaritan Auxiliary Board & the Resident Advocacy Committee, a life time member of Kossuth Regional Health Center’s Auxiliary including Pink Lady. She also served on the YMCA board-helping with the pool campaign, Algona Chamber Ambassadors-Algona Band Days, and served as the Oak Lake Can Ladies Treasurer for several years. Betty was especially proud of her and Ed’s generous donation to help build the Ed & Betty Wilcox Performing Art Center that was completed in January of 2017. Betty became a wonderful cook after Ed taught her how to cook, when they were first married. Of course, her claim to fame was her “carrot” cake, of which she made many. She enjoyed watching sports on TV, especially basketball, playing cards with family, & watching Survivor & Dancing with the Stars with Ed. However, Betty’s greatest gift was making each of her children, grandchildren, & “ Greats” feel special. She loved each one dearly and enjoyed attending their events and activities. Those left to cherish Betty’s memory are her husband of 67 years, Ed of Algona; children; Kris (Mick) Schlievert of Algona, Jo (Bob) Ebbert of Mahtomedi, MN, Karen (Jeff) Albert, Jim Wilcox (Deb) and Jody (Tony) Solbach all of Algona; nine grandchildren, Jake Witt (Megan), Jesse Wilcox(Kendra), Bridget Schlievert, Jamie Wubben (Nate), Andy Schlievert, Jennifer Markway (Cameron), Isaac Solbach, Samuel Solbach, & Tora Solbach; twelve great grandchildren; honorary granddaughter, Suzana Eischstaedt, Brazil and several nieces and nephews. Betty was the youngest of six siblings, all of whom preceded her in death along with their parents; sister, Helen Simonson and brothers Andrew, Melvin, Lester, & Robert Pedersen. Betty Lou was known for her sayings like “Up Your Nose” & “ Don’t You Forget It”, but the one we all need to remember is: “IT COULD ALWAYS BE WORSE!”
