Betsy G. Stefl

Betsy was born on February 10, 1923 in Shawano County to Adam and Dorothy (Hasbrouck) Grosskopf and passed away surrounded by her loving children on June 13, 2018.

Betsy graduated from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1946 with a bachelor’s degree in business education. She married Tyrus J. Stefl on October 26, 1946. Betsy and Ty had three children: John (Denise), Gail, and Sandy Drexler.

Betsy taught for many years and ended her career at Fox Valley Technical College, where she worked in the business technology department. She relished her long-term association with the college. Betsy enjoyed breakfasts with her fellow retirees and stayed active until recently through the scholarship program and as a Star Ambassador.

A true proponent of education, Betsy liked to keep her mind sharp. After her retirement, she enjoyed exploring the world; Betsy loved Elderhostels, so she could blend her love of travel and learning. She liked to keep her mind active through playing bridge, doing crossword puzzles, cryptograms, and word searches. For many years, she was an active member of the Appleton YMCA and participated in many different classes including land and water exercise. She kept active and could often be seen walking near her home. Music was essential to Betsy. She loved the opera and attended the Santa Fe Opera for many years. Betsy was a long-time season ticket holder and supporter of the Fox Cities Symphony.

Fiercely independent, Betsy was determined to live in and maintain her home as long as possible. When she moved to Touchmark, Betsy embraced her new community and quickly made many friends. She was very proud to attend the most challenging exercise class offered and found great joy in singing gospel songs on Sunday nights.

She is survived by her son, John (Denise); daughters, Gail Stefl, and Sandy Drexler well as their children Eric (Ann) Stefl, David Stefl, Kevin Mitio, and Jessica Russel (TJ). She was a proud great-grandmother of Sebastian, Holden, and Jackson Stefl, Claire and Alison Russel. Betsy was very involved with Jessica’s life and learned how to play soccer - among other things - so they could play together. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Adam, and sister, Joyce Hickok; her husband, and her son-in-law, Tom Sather.

The family thanks all friends and caregivers who supported us on this journey, with special thanks to the physicians and staff at Mosaic Family Health; Touchmark, especially the Admiral; ThedaCare Appleton, and Oakridge Gardens.

Funeral liturgy will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 410 Lawrence Avenue, on Monday June 18th at 10:30 AM, with Fr. Jim Leary, O.F.M. Cap. officiating. Visitation will be held at church from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Betsy will be laid to rest privately at a future date.

Betsy proudly supported the Betsy G. Stefl Scholarship at Fox Valley Technical College. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the scholarship.