Elizabeth P. “Betty” Kregel
Elizabeth Parr “Betty” Kregel, 100, of Garnavillo went home to be with her Lord and Savior Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, at Tower Living Center.
Funeral services were Wednesday, Oct. 25, at Gospel Hall in Garnavillo. Visitation was before services at the hall.
Burial was in the Garnavillo City Cemetery.
Elizabeth Lawson Kregel was born on Jan. 25, 1923, in Chicago, Ill., daughter of Edward and Ann (McCartney) Lawson. She graduated from Parker High School in 1941 and went to work for Quaker Oats Company until she married Donald Edward Kregel on Nov. 15, 1947. Together, they were blessed with four children, Steven, John, Carolyn, and Patti. They moved to the home farm on Iris Ave. in 1953 along with Don’s widowed father, Arthur Kregel. Don farmed later with his two sons, Steve and John. In November of 1973, they moved to the St. Olaf farm and lived there for 20 years. Betty and Don built a house in Garnavillo and moved there in 1992.
Betty (Lawson) Kregel accepted the Lord Jesus as her Savior in the spring of 1940. She lived in Chicago until her marriage when she moved to Garnavillo, and became a young farm wife. She quickly learned to garden, sew, cook, bake, and drive a car. Her sweet rolls were a universal favorite. Her hospitality was enjoyed by friends and family for decades. In 1982, she organized a family reunion that brought together her entire family from across the country. The reunions have grown and continued for 40 years.
Betty greatly enjoyed a game of Rummikub or Scrabble with anyone who was up to the challenge. She took up china painting in her 50’s, her artistic ability is evident in all the pieces she created. Many loved ones cherish her creations in their homes to this day. Wherever Betty went, she took the gospel message with her. She never left the house without a gospel tract to share and struck up conversation with anyone willing to listen. Her kindness was evident in her bright smile and genuine affection.
Even now, Betty remains a pillar of faith to her entire family. Her loss is deeply felt, but her loved ones know she’s resting in the arms of her Savior.
Betty is survived by three brothers, Ted (Jeanette) Lawson, Bob Lawson, Jack (Edna) Lawson; sister-in-law, Lee Lawson; children, Steve (Lynn) Kregel, John (Esther) Kregel, Carolyn (Daryl) Aspenson, Patti (Carl) Uhlenhopp; 14 grandchildren; and 37 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister, Frances Dixon; in-laws, Clyde Dixon, and Virginia Lawson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossing Rivers Hospice or the Garnavillo Fire Department.
Morris Funeral Home in Garnavillo assisted the family and information is available at www.morrisfuneralhomes.com. Memorials may be sent to Morris Funeral Home (in care of the deceased), 207 S. First St., Guttenberg, IA 52052.
