Betty Dodd

Betty Elaine Dodd (née Leisering) was born to eternal life on January 9, 2018. She died peacefully in Oshkosh, WI at the age of 85.

Betty is survived by her loving husband, Brooks Dodd of Appleton, WI; her children Christy Halloran Bowen (Reed) of Flowery Branch, GA and Brian Halloran of Atlanta, GA; her granddaughters Heather Bowen Lindquist (Eric) of Medina, NY and Harper Lynn and Adeline Toussaint Halloran of Atlanta, GA; her great grandson, Orin Reed Lindquist, who was born just three weeks before Betty’s passing; her blended family David Dodd of Appleton, WI, Jeff and Mary Dodd of Waukesha, WI and their children Matt of Madison, WI and Julianna of La Crosse, WI, Paul and Brooke Dodd and their children Adeline and Lilyana of Minneapolis, MN, sister Norma Martinson of Fairbanks, AK; and many nieces and nephews along with their extended families. Betty was preceded in death by her brothers and sister-in-law Edward Leisering of Appleton, WI, Carl and Anne Leisering of Fond du Lac, WI, and her sisters and brothers-in-law Mildred (Millie) and Virgil (Perk) Persons of Appleton, WI, Eleanor and Don Gerald of Washington, Elda and Clarence (Red) Ehlke of Appleton, WI, Verna (Vonnie) and Melvin (Bud) Buesing of Appleton, WI, and Fred Martinson of Fairbanks, AK.

Betty was born on July 15, 1932 in Appleton, WI to Herman and Louise Leisering. She graduated from Lawrence University in 1954. There she met and later married Donald (Don) Halloran in 1956. Betty and Don lived in Puerto Rico, New York, Texas, Arizona, and Georgia and raised Christy and Brian together before Betty returned to Appleton in the late 1980s.

Betty was an accomplished vocalist and musician. For a number of years she directed the church choir and filled in occasionally as organist. Betty’s solos at Christmas time were phenomenal, especially “O Holy Night”. She was a dedicated individual who loved to share and teach music and was passionate about music being a vital part to a child’s education. She retired from teaching in 1997. She had been an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Appleton and had volunteered performing tax return services for seniors.

Betty’s happiest years were those she spent in the company of her devoted husband, Brooks. Brooks and Betty were married in 2003. Together they hosted several summer vacations in Maine, Door County, and South Carolina, and we are all thankful to have had the opportunity to visit and enjoy their company while experiencing the wonderful scenery and activities at those locations. They also took journeys of their own, including an Alaskan cruise. They enjoyed many concerts at Lawrence University together, as well.

A funeral is scheduled for Friday, January 19 at 11:00 a.m. at Wichmann-Fargo Funeral Home, 537 N Superior St, Appleton, WI 54911, with a reception to follow at the funeral home. The family will welcome visitors at the funeral home beginning at 9:00 a.m. that morning. The interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery following the reception. Pastor Brian Bankert from Trinity Lutheran Church will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Betty’s life. The last years of her life were spent in the care of an incredible team of people at the Evergreen facilities in Oshkosh, and for that dedication and care, her family is eternally grateful. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Evergreen at 1130 N. Westfield St, Oshkosh, WI 54902 or link to https://donate.evergreenoshkosh.com. Peace and love to all of you.