Bette M. Winkel, 66, of Lyle, Minnesota, passed away Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015, at the Mercy Medical Center, Mason City, Iowa.

Bette Mae Winkel was born Feb. 1, 1949. She was the daughter of John and Lottie (Wessels) Fecht and resided in Allison, Iowa. Bette attended school in Allison and received her high school education from there in 1967. She continued her education at Hawkeye Technical College where she earned her nursing degree.

After college, she met a handsome Navy guy who strolled into town visiting his good friends Corky and Irv. Bette was currently working at the local grocery store where her co-worker Corky insisted that she go on a date with Eldon. Bette was reluctant at first, but it only took one date for her to be swept off her feet. They married Aug. 31, 1969, and moved to Newell, Iowa, for the first year of their marriage. Life took them to Waverly, Iowa, where Bette worked for Waverly Hospital and their family grew to include Julie, Jarred, Joel and Jeremy. In 1982, Eldon and Bette moved to Lyle, Minnesota, and Jolynn was born in 1983. On March 30, 1987, Bette started working at Austin Medical Center and through her 28 years worked in multiple departments, ending in cardiology, which she loved. Bette was a loving, compassionate nurse and a dedicated worker. When asked if she was considering retirement, Bette would say no because of how much she enjoyed her work and those she worked with.

Bette’s favorite things were traveling with her family, boating on the lake, helping anyone in need and telling others about how proud she was of her family. In all her activities she pursued the heart of God and was sure to be attending any Southern Gospel concerts in the area. Bette always put others before herself and her family before all others. Her family prayed together, played together, worked together and loved together in all things.

Bette is survived by her husband Eldon Winkel of Lyle, Minnesota; five children: Julie (Troy) Ruis of Grafton, Iowa, Jarred (Lori) Winkel of Suamico, Wisconsin, Joel Winkel of Waverly, Iowa, Jeremy Winkel of Buffalo, Minnesota, and Jolynn (Josh) Gentz of Rose Creek, Minnesota. She leaves behind 10 grandchildren: Austin, Brennen, Adreanna, and Carsten Ruis, Trevor, Hailey, Jason and Aaron Winkel and Aanden and Joslyn Gentz; one brother Darwin (Joyce) Fecht of Allison, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother-in-law.

Bette was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend who loved life and lived it to its fullest. Her legacy will continue through all those who she has loved.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015, at Faith Church, 1800 12th Street SW, Austin, Minnesota, with Russell Nesbit officiating. A graveside service will be at 3 p.m. at the Antioch Cemetery, Clarksville, Iowa. Visitation will be on Tuesday at the Clasen-Jordan Mortuary from 4 to 7 p.m. and at the church for one hour before the service on Wednesday morning.