Bette Jayne Gullickson, 99, of Charles City, IA, passed away peacefully at Floyd County Medical Center on January 25, 2024 after a short illness.
A private memorial service will be held at Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home with Pastor Russ Leeper from St. John Evangelical Church officiating.
Bette was born in Cedar Falls, IA on December 3, 1924, the daughter of the late Lester and Mildred (Froning) Smith. She graduated from Cedar Falls High School, and followed with further business education.
Bette met her late husband Arnold Gullickson in Cedar Falls at a dance. She married Arnold on February 15, 1944 in Cedar Falls, and moved to Charles City. Arnold passed away on September 2, 1988, after a long illness. She later was united in marriage to Paul Watschke on April 25, 1999 in Charles City. He preceded her in death on December 26, 2012 after a long illness.
Bette enjoyed being a homemaker and worked a variety of jobs, including work at John Deere, Reynolds Photography, Duffys Womenswear, and First Security Bank, from where she retired.
At 99, she continued to live on her own, enjoying visits from her friends and family. Her family meant the world to her, and spending time with them was her greatest joy. She had many beloved cats and dogs during her life. Her favorite was Mac, a westie. Bette was a devoted Hawkeye fan (especially basketball), and a fanatical Twins fan. She was an excellent bridge player, not afraid to gamble a little. She was a lifetime member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran. Bette was also a breast cancer survivor.
Bette is survived by her children: David Gullickson of Iowa City, IA, Tom Gullickson of Janesville, WI, Dan and Pam (Rosin) Gullickson of Altura, MN; grandson Jonathan Gullickson of Janesville, WI; step grandson Ben Malchow of Cedar Falls, IA; step granddaughters: Bridgette Malchow of Fort Myers, FL, and Brandi (Malchow) and husband Justin Warfield of Culpepper, VA; stepsons: Doctor Thomas (deceased) and Christa Watschke of State College, PA, Doug Watschke (Ginny) of Bozeman, MT, Gary Watschke (Nancy) of Weare, NH; step daughter Colleen Copper (Bruce) of Charles City, IA; step grandsons: Jon (Kim) of San Clemente, CA, Brian (Missy) of Duluth, MN, Chris (Angie) of Bozeman, MT, Beau (HaiYan) of Manchester, NH, Nick (Yvonne) of Charles City, IA; step granddaughters: Katelyn and Madison of State College, PA, Jennifer (Tim) Holtgrove of North Crystal, MN, Kelley (Mike) Comeau of Bedford, NH, and Reagan (Kevin) Copper of Millersville, MD.
Bette was predeceased by her daughter Dianne Margo Gullickson, who died June 20, 1950, at the age of 4.
Bette’s good sense of humor and wise advice will be missed by those who knew her.
Many thanks to the Floyd County Medical Center caregivers, nurses, and especially Dr. Paul Royer. God Bless you. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Messiah Food Pantry, 102 N. Main St., Charles City, IA 50616
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