HANLONTOWN — Betty Jane Peralta, 72, of Hanlontown, whose life was filled with family, farm animals, gardening and years of service in the hospitality industry, died Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.
A Celebration of Life visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Avenue North in Clear Lake.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Betty’s family.
Betty Jane Kuhlemeier was born January 10, 1954, in Mason City, the daughter of Earl and Myrtle Hall Kuhlemeier. She grew up in North Iowa and graduated from Clear Lake High School with the Class of 1973.
Betty was first married to Larry Bucci, and they welcomed a daughter, Kelly.
On July 1, 1999, Betty married Joe Peralta. Together, they welcomed a son, Geronimo “Chase” Peralta, and built a life rooted in family and the farm.
According to her obituary, Betty spent much of her working life in the hospitality industry. Her career included many years at the Silver Boot Motel in Clear Lake. She continued working until declining health made it no longer possible.
Away from work, Betty enjoyed reading and tending her vegetable garden. She felt particularly at home on the family farm, where she found happiness in the quiet routines of rural life.
In her younger years, Betty loved raising horses and caring for chickens. Those experiences helped shape her enduring affection for animals, farming and the outdoors.
Above everything else, Betty treasured her family. Time spent with her children, grandchildren and extended relatives remained among the greatest joys of her life.
Betty is survived by her daughter, Kelly Bucci of Clear Lake; son, Geronimo “Chase” and Ayana Peralta of Northwood; four grandchildren, Lauren and Guy Minert and Quanah and Sequoyah Peralta; siblings, Charles and Kay Kuhlemeier, Dayle and Janet Kuhlemeier, Carol and Mel Peterson, and Marlys and Paul Pitzenberger; and many nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Myrtle Kuhlemeier; husband, Joe Peralta; and brother, Ronald Kuhlemeier.
WARD VAN SLYKE COLONIAL CHAPEL is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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