Elizabeth “Betty” Lemm. 73
Elizabeth “Betty” Lemm was born on September 7, 1940 in Melrose, Minnesota, the daughter of Tony and Marie Becker. The Becker family moved to Lake of the Woods County in 1947, initially living in the Pieper Farms area north of Williams. In 1949, the family moved a few miles north to Long Point where Tony was a commercial fisherman and Marie ran the family resort (Marie’s Lodge). As a young girl, Betty attended the Williams School and helped her parents with the fishing and resort businesses. In 1955 and 1956, the family spent the off-seasons in Lakeland Florida working for the Detroit Tigers.
Betty married LaMonde “Buzz” Lemm in Williams on September 21, 1957. Betty and Buzz were happily married for 48 years and 9 months before Buzz passed away on June 13, 2006. Like her father Tony, Buzz also was a commercial fisherman on Lake of the Woods and Betty helped him with the fishing business through 1984. Betty also spent several of her early years working as a head-start teacher’s aide at the Williams school. With the birth of her youngest son, Betty chose to be a stay at home mom until 1986 when she began her career at Marvin Windows in Warroad where she worked until her retirement in 2009. Betty lived in their home near Long Point until her death.
Betty was an active member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Williams for 58 years, serving on Ladies’ Aid and at times on the parish council. She was an avid bowler, bringing home many trophies which she was very proud of. Betty was a very giving person. She always put the needs of others before herself and would do anything for anyone. She took great pride in cooking, whether it was for her family or guests; everyone loved a home-cooked meal from Betty! She always took care of herself and wanted to look her best, enjoying her many trips to the hairdresser. In later years she particularly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Betty passed away shortly after midnight on Friday, December 27th at the age of 73 years, 3 months, and 20 days. The heart that was so giving in life finally lost its strength. Betty is survived by her sisters: Ruth Mudrick of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Noel Peterson of Madison, Wisconsin; her children: Blaine Lemm of Baudette, Sue Benike of Lino Lakes, Ellen Paulseth of Centerville, Elaine Lemm of Mounds View, Lois (Brian) Slick of Baudette, and Les Lemm of Stacy; along with eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Tony & Marie; her brother, Jerry; and her husband, Buzz.
